SquigglyTwigs Designs

Tuesday's Tute: Make a Carnation!

2012-01-24T11:37:00.000-08:00

We love using flowers to accessorize and embellish. But, I bet you already knew that. This carnation is, I think, my invention. I had an extra measure of gathered chiffon from the ruffles on this dress and thought they'd make a pretty flower. So here's how to make the flower. It's actually very simple.

Materials:
Lightweight fabric or ribbon for strips: Chiffon, organza, tulle, and lace make good choices. For a flower of this size you'll need enough to net 12 feet of 1" strips or 12 feet of lightweight ribbon. Fabric that frays will need to be cut on the bias, therefore more fabric is needed for that. I used part of 1/2 yd. of chiffon.
Felt circle 50 cent piece in size
Needle and thread
Sewing machine and supplies
Cutting supplies: I used a rotary cutter and mat to make quick work of the 1" strips

Directions:

1. Cut 1" strips to equal about 12 feet.

2. Tightly gather strips down the center. Overlap the ends slightly as you gather to make one long gathered strip. It will be about 4 feet long. Our quick gathering tutorial is found here.

3. Cut a circle of felt about the size of a 50 cent piece.

4. Starting in the center, stitch one end of the gathered strip with a needle and thread. Make a small loop/bunch and stitch it down. Continue stitching down small loops/bunches until the center is full.

5. Make the loops/bunches larger as you work towards the outside of the flower. The tighter you place the loops/bunches, the more full your carnation will appear. Tie off your thread on the back side of the flower when you finish.

6. This is what the back of the carnation will look like when you finish.

Enjoy your finished carnation. You can add any type of fastener to the back. We use a safety pin to allow us to use it on clothing or to pin it to a clip or pony in the hair.

Happy Sewing!
Debbie

Tuesday's Tute Replay: Perfect for Valentine's Day

2012-01-17T10:17:00.000-08:00

Tutu shorts (or pants if you live in the colder parts) and a cute tulle embellished top make the perfect frilly Valentine's Day outfit.
Use this tutu shorts tutorial to make the perfectly frilly bottoms for your little girl. If you need to make pants, use the same tutorial on a pair of leggings instead of shorts.

The top is easy. Make a t-shirt or sew tulle hearts on a ready to wear t-shirts. This tutorial will tell you how.

Enjoy your Valentine's Day outfit and don't forget to share your pretties with us.

Happy Sewing!

Debbie

Tuesday's Tute: Upcycle Bracelet

2012-01-10T05:06:00.000-08:00

Inspired by a similar bracelet from Pinterest, I made this little thing from items found in my jewelry box and craft boxes. Take a couple of unused necklaces, lace, and beads and you've got a new bracelet. I left the necklaces whole, just in case I'd rather have the necklace instead of the bracelet again.

Materials:
Bracelet: (each 8" in length (mine) or your bracelet circumference + 2")
Lace
beads
chains
ribbon
Tie:
Lace or Ribbon long enough to create a bow. (mine 18")
In my case I used a 15" pearl necklace and 15" gold chain. These were doubled in the bracelet.

Directions:

1. Tie all of your bracelet strands together at one end with wire, ribbon, or thread.

2. Slip the bow ribbon/lace through the tied end.

3. Tie the tied end to hang it up. I used the post of a kitchen chair.

4. Braid tightly.

5. Tie remaining end together.

6. Slip bow lace/ribbon through and tie it into a nice bow. It's ready to wear!

Happy Sewing! (well, crafting this week)
Debbie

Tuesday's Tutorial: Winter Accessory Round-up

2012-01-03T10:54:00.000-08:00

Winter has arrived! We even have a little bit of snow. It's been a warm beginning of winter for us so far. But, the need for hats, mittens, and scarves has come. Winter accessories can be expensive, and get lost so very easily. With these tutorials, you can make your own. I made those pictured three years ago. It's amazing...we still have them. I'm guessing that since the children chose the fabric and their hat design, they watch over these much better. We've many more and now always have a dry pair to slip on. The children are now expert scarf and mitten makers. They each made a pair for the mitten tree at the library this year.
It takes about 1/2 yard of fleece to make a scarf, hat, and mittens. We also use thrifted wool sweaters (washed and dried 3 times in hot to "felt" them), and thrifted fleece scarves and blankets. Thrifted is less expensive than by the yard most often. I have a red thrifted fleece adult cape that I bought three years ago for .99 cents. We're still cutting from it. ;)
The mitten tutorial suggests lining with knit. I've done that with 2 pair each. Other than that we just use the fleece layer. They do get wet quickly, but it's easier to make several pair of one layer. We always make the long cuff version.
Simple Mitten Tutorial
Long Cuff Mitten Tutorial
Hat and Scarf Tutorial

Happy Sewing!
Debbie

Tuesday's Tute: Curly's Sweater Dress Replay

2011-12-28T08:10:00.000-08:00

After last week's post about my "patchwork" sweater dress, I've had a few readers interested in making a sweater dress for their daugthers'. Here is the tutorial I did a while ago for the sweater and sweater dress I made for Curly. Using thrifted sweaters is the easiest and least expensive way to get great sweater yardage with wonderful details. Happy Sewing!
Debbie

Tuesday's Tute: Make a Sweater Dress..from thrifted sweaters

2011-12-20T10:23:00.000-08:00

I really wanted a new dress for Christmas. Not a fancy one, but one that would be comfy and could be dressed up or down. I saw a few sweater dresses and a cream lace dress on pinterest. Both ideas were keepers. So I combined them into the sweater dress on the right. The dress fits nicely and the off set square design, along with the vertical lines in the sweater knits draw the eye down the body. I know it looks a bit "hippy" on the dress form. Thankfully my shape is a bit softer than hers. ;)

I'll be wearing my dress with brown tights and boots. I made a pearl, bead, and lace bracelet to go with it. (another pinterest inspiration that I'll show another day)

Materials:

Sweaters: I bought 3 and used only two.

T-shirt Pattern (If you need to make the bodice.) The sweater I chosen for the bodice part happened to fit well from the start.

Sewing machine and supplies

Length and hip measurements or a nice fitting knit dress

Lace Trim (optional)

Directions:

1. Prepare your bodice piece. I made my bodice empire length, by laying my Fun and Easy Knit Top pattern onto the sweater and cutting the sweater at the empire length line.

2. Cut the remaining sweaters into squares. My squares were about 7" x 9". Two sweaters made enough squares for the bottom part of my dress. I wear about a size 10 and didn't want it tight fitting.

3. Lay out pieces to match the hip width and length you want. I used a well fitting knit dress as my guide by laying the dress on top of the pieces to check width and length. The sweater grew in length when finished and put on. I ended up cutting a few inches off the bottom. This turned out good, the banded pieces I intended to use at the bottom made the dress taper in at my knees. When cut off it draped much better.

Tips for sewing sweater: lengthen your stitch to about a 4 (0-6 scale), use a knit (ballpoint) needle, loosen the presser foot pressure or use a walking foot. You can find info. on presser foot pressure in your manual. I used a serger, but you can do this with a regular sewing machine and a 2x2 zigzag stitch.
4. Sew squares together to make one long strip (top to bottom on the dress) Repeat as needed.

5. Sew long strips together. Repeat as needed.

6. Open bodice side about 3" so that you can attach the front and back "skirt" panels.

7. Attach front "skirt" panel to the bodice. Repeat for the back.

8. Sew up side seams.
9. If you have a raw cut hemline, zigzag over the hemline. Be careful to not stretch the hemline as you sew or it will be wavy.

9. I added flat lace trim to the sleeves and hemline of the dress. I laid the lace under the sweater and zigzagged it on. I stitch on top of the sweater so that I could keep an eye on the sweater edges and keep them from falling into my machine.

Happy Sewing!
Debbie

Repost: Gift Bags

2011-12-15T07:36:00.000-08:00

Make some reuseable and frugal gift bags from materials you probably already have! With this tute, it's sooo easy.
Happy Sewing!
Debbie

Tuesday's Tute: Upcycled Tie for a Little Guy

2011-12-13T17:29:00.000-08:00

I have a little guy who likes to dress up. He also likes to dress like daddy. He doesn't like the clip on ties available for little guys. I'm not sure how to put those onto a shirt comfortably, but the clip always seems to poke my little guy in the neck. We have found a few that velcro around the neck, but those are expensive and harder to find.

Since my guy likes to dress like daddy we thought, why not find a way to use daddy sized ties and make one little guy sized, that ties like a daddy tie, too.

After some extensive googling and a few tries, here's our result. The ties were purchased at the thrift store for $1 ea. A happy little guy who feels really big. And, the option to buy matching ties for both of my guys.

Materials:

Men's tie

Sewing supplies

Iron

Measuring tape

Little boy tie for sizing

Hand sewing needle and thread.

Directions:

1. Lay little guy tie onto daddy tie in the spot that the little guy's larger end fits nicely into the daddy tie larger end. (as pictured)

2. Cut daddy tie 1/2" from the measured spot above.

3. Add 10" (for the knot) to the small end of the little guy tie. Cut.

4. Carefully cut lining piece out of cut off large end.

5. Snip threads that hold the back of the tie closed until you can open it up flat.

6. Cut the large end of the tie to match the triangle of the lining.

7. Snip off the padding piece so you have enough room for seam allowances.

8. Sew lining to tie, right sides together. Snip off the point to enable a nice point after the tie is turned right side out.

9. Turn right side out and press. Make sure lining is not showing in the front.

10. Tuck in padding.

11. Fold sides back into place. Press. Hand stitch closed.

12. Tuck small end inside and stitch. Or repeat the point steps from the larger end.

Tie this little guy tie just like a big guy's tie.

Happy Sewing!
Debbie

Lookie What I made!

2011-12-06T10:26:00.000-08:00

Saw this.

Made this.

And completed it with this.

Pinterest is so much fun...and inspiring. The tutorial for this top will come in a few weeks. The cardigan was created with this tutorial. I simply couldn't wait to share!!!
Happy Sewing!
Debbie
Top (clipped to polyvore.com)

Tuesday's Tute: A Princess Room Pt. 4: Curtains

2011-12-06T05:06:00.000-08:00

The final piece of Curly's princess room was the curtains. These swags are so easy to make, and makes her room look elegant, it's a shame it took me so long to do it.
The curtain project was completed within an hour (2 swags).
To see the three previous tutorials for the princess room scroll down to last weeks Tuesday's Tute: Chandelier. It also includes links to the bedspread and canopy tutorials.

Materials:
Fabric (I used the skirts of two formal dresses, because I had them in the fabric stash.)
Ribbon
Cup hooks (2 per window)

Directions:

1. Cut the rectangle for your curtain.

2. Hem

3. Tie ribbon around the curtain in two places. We used wire ribbon and curved the ends into a flower. You could also use regular ribbon and tie a bow. Finish the ribbon edge with fray check or the "candle method".

4. Put a cup hook each top corner of the window. Hook a ribbon over each hook and arrange the curtain as you like it.

Happy Sewing!
Debbie

Tuesday's Tute: A Princess Room Pt. 3 Chandelier

2011-11-29T07:58:00.000-08:00

Curly's birthday present request was a "simple" one. She wanted a bedroom that "looks like a princess sleeps here". That's all I needed to start my creative mind. Last year for her birthday she requested a new bedspread and canopy. So, the room had a very good start. I took an internet stroll through "princess" bedrooms and found luxurious curtains and chandeliers to be most common pieces for a princesses room. The curtains would be easy. Watch for the curtain tutorial in the next couple of weeks. The chandelier proved to be more of a challenge. Not certain how to create one, I first considered buying one. What I wanted simply wasn't in my budget. After a short diy search, I was armed with just enough confidence to be dangerous.
After a trip to the thrift store, the home improvement store, and Hobby Lobby, I was ready to work. The result...nothing short of amazing. I still can't believe it came out as good as it did.
Want a chandelier...you really can do this. This one cost $20 and a few hours of creativity.

Materials:
Chandelier: this is what ours started like, although it was missing all but one globe. I'd suggest one that has the lights pointing up. Turning these around was a bit scary. I didn't want to break it or twist up a wire.

Beads: I purchase the beads I used at Hobby Lobby in the Christmas section.
Paint and Primer
Sandpaper
Light Bulbs
Thread
Ribbons and Lace

Directions:

1. Sand lightly to rough up the lights surface so the paint will hold better. Prime and paint per your paints directions. Make sure to spray from all angles for good coverage. I suggest doing this in the daylight. I couldn't wait and did mine in the dark with the yard lights.

2. Add beads, lace, and ribbon as you desire. I was so involved in creating, I forgot to take "in process" photos. I cut beads to appropriate lengths and tied them onto my light with white thread. The white thread is so thin it is hidden beautifully. I added a satin ribbon bow to the top and lace bows around the light holders to cover some of my beading tie-off work.

The finished product. It sparkles perfectly. I sure wish I knew how to photograph it well.

Best of all....the Princess is home and in love with her Princess Room.

PS....take a look at the previous post for a Birthday present from Curly.

Happy Sewing...well creating!

Debbie

Celebrate!!!!! Curly's Giving Presents...Big Ones!

2011-11-28T04:50:00.000-08:00

Here's Curly wearing her Miss Molly with her county fair awards at 6 yrs. old

Today is a special day at our house, a Birthday. A day this special only comes two times a year for us; a child's birthday. Now I know birthdays are a big thing, especially when it's a child's birthday. But, in our home, it's also the celebration of a gift I thought I'd never receive....and it's not my birthday.
Eight (it's hard to believe eight years have gone by) years ago, the day after Thanksgiving, our first child, a daughter was born. We were the very (understatement) thankful for the gift of her life. Her birth mother chose to give her life, not an easy choice for her, then chose us as the forever parents of her precious daughter, another extremely difficult choice for her. Our daughter's birth mother, with the help of the Lord and some wonderful Christian people (whom I've not met), chose life and adoption for our little baby.
Our daughter, now turning eight, is an amazing gift. She's also the reason SquigglyTwigs Designs exists and one of our designers. Curly designed Allie's Quilt Skirt, Miss Molly, and Miss Maria. She's contributed to most of the other designs.
I'm incredibly humbled every day when I look at her. The Lord heard my heart's cry and gave me my heart's desire. The Lord blessed us again, nineteen months later, with a extra special son. I'm so undeserving...and Thankful beyond expression.
I want to share my thankfulness with you all. And Curly asked to share her birthday with you. So from today until Monday, December 5th, all of our patterns are .90 each. Use the code Celebrate at checkout to apply your discount.
Have a Blessed Thanksgiving!
Debbie and Curly

Tuesday's Tute: A Pattern Spotlight and Sale

2011-11-22T16:04:00.000-08:00

I'm sure many of you are thinking about Christmas outfits. Some of you see this outfit and think, "I wish I could do this." Other than the jacket, which I didn't make, you can with two SquigglyTwigs patterns. The patterns are on sale, 50% off, through Sunday. How?? Keep reading.

Top Front

Top Back

This blouse was made using the Fun and Easy Knit Top/Dress Pattern. Because I used a woven (from a polyester ladies blouse), I made two pattern adjustments. The first adjustment was the key hole opening in the back with the button loop closure. I used a bias cut trim piece to trim out the neckline and keyhole. The second adjustment was to add some fullness for gathering the top of the sleeve. I added the fullness by adding 1" to the width of the top of the sleeve. The gathered sleeve top allows it to fit nicely into the armhole.
I also added a ruffle to the bottom hem, and sleeve hems. These ruffles were made at 1.5 times the circumference of the sleeve and shirt hemlines.
A Pretty Peasant blouse would also work nicely with this outfit, and is one of our easiest patterns.

The skirt is one of my favorites. We used our Lot's of Ruffles Skirt Pattern. The original Lots of Ruffles Skirt was made of knit and has a fun and casual look. Both skirts were made with the exact same pattern, without variation, yet look so different. This skirt is made of easy care fabrics, yet looks fancy. We used polyester satin, and lace to create this skirt. (Our fabrics actually came from a couple of formals, but these fabrics are available at the fabric store also.) The key to making these fabrics easy care, is to launder it before sewing. We hemmed our satin layers with our serger. But, they won't fray if you cut them on the bias (45 degree) angle to the selvage. You can also hem the layers by turning the edge under twice. This skirt, which is just below the knee, took 3/4 yard of each layer fabric and 1/2 yard for the lining. This yardage is for a size 4T wide and size 8 long. The pattern will help you determine exactly the yardage you'd need for your custom skirt.

These are just two of the wonderful things you can make and wear for Christmas from SquigglyTwigs patterns, which can be purchased for instant download in our right-hand column. Don't miss the sale opportunity. Use Christmas as the code at checkout to get 50% off your pattern order before Midnight ET Sunday.

Happy Sewing!

Debbie

Tuesday's Tute: Embellished Cardigan Sweater & A Surprise

2011-11-15T04:51:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Curly for the photo.

Have you ever wanted a cardigan sweater and all you could find was a crewneck? It's actually quite easy to convert a crewneck into a cardigan and add a bit of embellishment if you like. My sweater is going to be part of Christmas pictures, so I wanted it to coordinate with the children. I plan to wear it unbuttoned over a black lace T w/ a black ribbon bow belt and jeans to Christmas. I'm not to fond of it buttoned in this photo. The floral embellishments are made using scraps from my daughter's blouse.

Materials:
Sweater
Crewneck Sweater
Finished edge seam trim or ribbon
Sewing Machine and supplies
Flower Embellishments
Flower scraps
Needle and Thread
Candle (optional)
Beads (optional)

Directions:

1. Cut the sweater up the middle.
Lay seam tape onto right side of the sweater, matching the sweater's raw edge to the tapes edge. Using a zigzag stitch (2 wide x 2 long), stitch along the matched sweater/tape edge.

Close up

2. Turn the tape to the wrong side of the sweater and press flat. Stitch on top of the tape near the folded sweater edge (as in the close up) picture above. Use fray check or other method to seal tape/ribbon top and bottom ends to prevent them from fraying.

Enjoy your sweater as is or add a button loop closure to the top, as I did. I also added floral embellishments to dress my sweater up. Keep reading for the embellishment part of the directions.

4. Cut pairs of squares for the flowers. Our larger squares are about 1 1/2" square.

5. Wovens will need the edges sealed to prevent fraying. I used the candle/melt method. Knits do not.

6. Fold the square in half.

Then in quarters.

7. Using a needle and thread stitch across each side of the corner.

8. Pull the corner stitching tight. This will bunch up your flower.

This is what the flower layer looks like opened up.

9. Stack two flower layers together and stitch in the center.

10. I'm sorry for the blurr... Stitch a few small beads or a small button in the center.

11. Arrange the flowers. Pin them in place. Repin them so that the pin only goes through one sweater layer. Stitch them down. I stitched each flower near the center only.

The finished sweater. I hope to have a modeled shot soon.

For all of you who are thinking about some Christmas sewing, all of our patterns are 50% off now through December 1st. Use the Code Christmas at checkout. But, there's one catch. I want to see the completed project photos. ;) Actually you can use the code even if you don't share the pictures.

Happy Sewing!

Debbie

The Perfect Christmas Dress Pattern, plus...

2011-11-12T06:22:00.000-08:00

As Christmas is nearing, we begin to think about the special Christmas dress or outfit for ourselves or our children. The Fun and Easy Knit Dress/Top pattern is absolutely perfect. Even beginning sewists can make a beautiful or casual Christmas outfit with this pattern. See more about the pattern here or order and download your own in the right hand column. This pattern has more variations that you can imagine, and comes with unlimited sewing assistance from me...take a look. Then make one of a kind outfits for your family. Be sure to share your Christmas creations by posting to our flickr group or emailing me.
Happy Sewing!
Debbie

Tuesday's Tutorial: Sequin Bow

2011-11-08T04:37:00.000-08:00

Gap Version

Squiggly Twigs Designs

Curly and I saw bows like the one from Gap at a variety of stores recently. Curly loved them, but I wasn't willing to pay the store price when I had similar materials at home. Within 30 minutes I had my own version done. It earned a really big smile and an ooooo when Curly saw it. Now, that's approval! Our bow isn't fully attached to the headband so we can use it on a clip or pin it on a pony for more wearability.

Materials:

Bow:
6 x 8 piece of sequined Venetian lace
Other fabrics can also be used. If using a light weight fabric, you'll want to use two layers to give the bow the body it needs to keep it from flopping.
1 x 4 piece of sequined lace
Needle and Thread
Headband:
Satin ribbon
Headband
Hot Glue

Directions:

1. Fold 6 x 8 piece of lace in half (right sides together) to make a folded piece that's 6 x 4.

2. Hand stitch (sewing sequins and beads can break your machine) around the three open sides. Use a stitch that goes over the raw edge. Up from the bottom, over the raw edge and up from the bottom. Leave a 2" opening at the end of the third side to turn it right side out.

3. Turn the rectangle right side out through the 2" opening. Tuck inside the opening edges and stitch it closed.

4. Stitch the short edge of the 1 x 4 piece of lace to the back center of the bow. The scissors are showing you where I stitched mine.

5. Pleat the center of your bow to your liking with your fingers by pinching it. Wrap the 1 x 4 piece of lace around to the back and stitch it down. Cut off the extra 1 x 4 strip.

6. The completed bow ready to be added to a heaband, pin, or clip.

I hot glued and wrapped the satin ribbon around the plastic heaband.

Then we slipped headband through the back side of the bow's center. It does slide around on the headband. I used two bobby pins to secure the bow/headband in Curly's hair. We could have glued the headband and bow together, but want to use the bow in other ways.

Happy Sewing!

Debbie

Tuesday's Tute: Sew Some Legwarmers

2011-11-01T16:53:00.000-07:00

It's legwarmer season and they're back in style. I happen to be old enough to remember wearing them in their first go around. I certainly wish I had thought to make them back then. It's actually very easy.
Curly had no idea legwarmers were once worn by mommy. She found a picture in a catalog of a girl wearing them over leggings. She thought the legwarmers would work great to cover the space between her leggings and socks. It's sad that mommy's behind in sewing and she has a space between her leggings and socks. But, at least she's resourceful. And, it took much less time for me to make some legwarmers than more pants. ;) The pants will come, but at least a few pair of legwarmers buys me more time. These can be made from a sweater, as shown, which give a thicker, fuller fitting legwarmer and fit up to adult sizes. Or, they can be made from women's knee high socks to fit up to size 8 girls, and be a lightweight, narrower fit. We accessorized ours with a coordinating bow and button on the side. Have fun with the tute!

Materials:
Sweater or Knee socks
Measurement from wearer and measuring tape
Scissors
Sewing Supplies
1/4" Sew through elastic
Decorative thread (optional)

Directions:

1. Measure and cut the sweater sleeve to 1 1/2 times the finished length of the legwarmer. The 1/2 times is to add slouchability. You can do more or less for your slouching purpose. I did a bit less w/the knee socks.

cut pieces

2. I used a decorative thread and stitched two rows of zigzag along the sweater cuff to add interest.

3. Zigzag along the raw edge to prevent fraying. You want to make sure not to pull the sweater so that it doesn't stretch out while zigzagging.

4. Cut a piece of elastic to the circumference you want around the ankle and to slip over the foot. Pin one end of the elastic at the seam. Find the 1/2 point of the elastic and pin it to the 1/2 point of the sweater. The sweater is going to be larger around than your elastic.

5. You'll want to do this step on the elastic side. Not as pictured. It was pretty hard to feel the elastic underneath. I wanted to use decorative thread and was too cheap to fill the bobbin with it.
Using a zigzag stitch, sew and reverse a few stitches at the beginning of the elastic piece. Put your needle in the down position. Pull the elastic until the sweater and the elastic match lengths to the 1/2 way pin. Zigzag the elastic to the sweater. Make sure not to over pull and stretch the sweater.

6. Put the needle in the down position and again. Pull the elastic to match the sweater so that the elastic overlaps the beginning place by a 1/2". Zigzag the elastic to the sweater.

7. Stitch elastic overlap space well.

8. Accessorize as desired and enjoy.

Happy Sewing!
Debbie

Tuesday's Tute: Lace Flower

2011-10-25T05:08:00.000-07:00

black lace corsage on jacket (sorry hard to see black on black in the picture)

This tutorial came about while working on Curly's Christmas outfit. I'm making her a skirt, top, jacket set for this year. Prior years she wore some type of dress of red and black. This year I wanted to do something different. We're repurposing black satin and lace from a free-to-us formal for the skirt. I'm searching for a cobalt blue something to make a top. We have a little black velvet jacket to top it off. But, the little jacket needed something to make it special...hence this flower and our tutorial.

Flower tutorials are favorites of ours. Versions of this one can be found elsewhere on the internet. However, ours has a few differences.

Materials:

Lightweight lace fabric (beaded/sequined venetian lace from the sleeve of a formal in our case)

Needle and Thread

You can use other types of fabrics for this projects. If the fabric happens to fray and you don't want it to, you can use a flame to heat seal your "circles". This tutorial shows you how.

Directions:

1. Cut about 15 circles for a corsage sized flower (not perfect ones). A bit of irregularity makes the flower more interesting.
*** If you are using a beaded lace, paint the back side of the fabric with a fabric glue/water mixture or fray check and let dry to hold the bead threads in place after you cut. Otherwise you'll cut your beads loose.***

2. Fold a circle in half.

3. In half again (quarters). Quarters will be used for the outer petals.

4. In half again (eighths). Eighths are used for the inner petals.

5. Put a couple of stitches 1/4" from the point of your folded petal.

6. Stitch petals together.

7. Continue to stitch eighths petals together in circular bunch until you have a nice full center. Then use fourths petals to add to the base of the flower. How many eighths and fourths you use is completely up to how you want your flower to look.

8. When you've added all the petals you'd like put a few more stitches into your flower to make it secure and then tie off with several knots, stitches, and a few more knots.
You can use this flower as a pin, hair clip, or on a headband...options are endless.
Since we only used one sleeve of this pretty fabric for this flower, I think we may try a large lace bow for a hair accessory. Maybe it will be next Tuesday's Tutorial... I also have a few ideas for legwarmers. We'll see which idea gets made first.

Happy Sewing!
Debbie

Tuesday's Tute: Pin Cushion Bouquet

2011-10-18T17:43:00.000-07:00

Curly has a pin cushion project in her 4-H project book. We saw some pretty fabric flowers arranged in a flower pot online. We had the idea of making a pin cushion version with the directions and tips in the 4-H book and a simple flower pattern found online. We made ours in two sizes for variation. Curly is quite thrilled to have taken the lead in this Tuesday's Tute. Giving others directions is one of her strong ;) points.

Materials:

Flower pattern or a simple circle of the size you choose.

Fabric scraps large enough for your pattern

Stuffing

Wool scraps (optional)

Yarn or Embroidery Floss and needle

Silk Flower Stems

2 Buttons for each flower

Glue Gun

Sewing machine (this can be done w/needle and thread if you don't have a machine)

Directions:

1. Pin your pattern onto the fabric and cut around it.

2. Sew around the edge of the pattern. 1/8"-1/4" seam. Leave a 1" opening to insert stuffing and stem.

3. Turn flower right side out.

Cut optional wool scrap into small pieces. Wool can sharpen pins.

4. Stuff flower with stuffing and wool scraps.

5. Put hot glue on the end of the floral stem and "quickly" stick it into the stuffed flower. It should be just a bit more the half way into the flower for stability. Glue closed the opening, and arrange the stuffing.

6. With embroidery floss or yarn, stitch petal lines. Starting in the center wrap around the edge of the flower and stitch back through the opposite side. Repeat for as many petals as you'd like.

7. Sew a button to each side of the flower.

Curly's completed flower. She did this one all by herself. Handsome Dude and I assisted with the others.

Your bouquet is complete!

Happy Sewing!
Curly...And Debbie

Tuesday's Tute: Downsize A Neckline: Shirr

2011-10-11T11:50:00.000-07:00

What to do when you have a daughter who needs clothing and some tunics that haven't sold? Downsize a tunic or two. This dress was a women's medium sized tunic with three-quarter length sleeves. I used one of her dresses as a template for the downsizing. I cut down the sides and under the arms, similar to the process I used when I upcycled the brown dress for me this summer. I also cut off the sleeve. Since this dress is knit, no sleeve treatment was needed.
After this work, we still had a problem. The neckline was much too big, but too sweet to cut into. The keyhole and ribbon trim were precious. The solution...shirr it. Take a look at our shirring tutorial for detailed shirr instructions. I used two rows of shirring to bring this neckline up nicely.

The finished neckline.

A close up of shirring.

Now she has a wonderful fitting dress in one of her favorite colors. We'll be able to use this dress year round by layering a long sleeved t-shirt under or cardigan over with leggings.

Happy Sewing!

Debbie

Tuesday's Tute: No Curl Knit Fabric

2011-10-04T15:12:00.000-07:00

The most difficult thing about sewing knits is fighting the curl. You know how the cut edges of knits curl up and are a bear to keep flat while you try to keep your seam straight and sew. I never have enough hands! My son wanted to make a pair of shorts, his first pair by the way, out of a knit we found on the clearance table. It curled horribly. He'd never be able to keep the pieces lined up and flat. After looking around the house a bit for something to stiffen the knit....ah ha. Spray starch! Yep, it's that easy to flatten your knit for sewing and then wash it out. Some knits take more than one application to get them flat, like woven, but it works like a charm. Even my little guy was able to sew his first solo project on a knit without the slightest curl.

Materials:

Cut fabric Pieces with curl
Spray Starch
Hot iron (no steam)

Directions:

1. Lay the piece wrong side up on your ironing board. Uncurl edges with one hand and spray with the other. Spray edges of the fabric liberally. Always spray starch on the wrong side of the fabric. There were a couple of times I had a bit of discolored starch come off the iron. I don't want to take any chance of ironing a stain onto the right side.

2. Press. Do not slide your iron. It may actually "stick" until the starch is dry. Some steam may even come up as the iron dries the starch. Move to the next spot and press. When your sprayed piece is dry it shouldn't curl.

3. If there's any curl, spray and press again. Some really curly pieces have needed three starch applications. Make sure you wash your garment before you wear it. ;)

The pieces in the picture are for a dress that Curly is getting ready to sew.

Happy Sewing!
Debbie

Tuesday's Tute: A Shirt Dress (from an adult shirt)

2011-09-27T05:16:00.000-07:00

Repurposing dress shirts has become quite popular. Our female news anchor had a blouse with this ruffle detail on it last week, I had this cute paisley shirt in my stash, Curly needed clothes, and I had a free hour this past week. All of these things equal a chance to create our own version of the repurposed shirt dress. We made our's short sleeved with the intent to layer it over a long sleeved shirt or under a sweater. Layering will allow us to use this dress year round. When it gets too short it will be worn as a tunic. Her belt is made by braiding ribbon and lace.

Materials:

A dress shirt If you are creating a dress, make sure the shirt you start with is long enough.

An a-line dress pattern or template I used an a-line dress from her closet.

Sewing supplies

Directions:

1. Using a seam ripper, remove the top portion of the collar. And, carefully remove the pocket. Steam iron any marks (holes) left from the pocket seam. The pocket seam will "fade" away. (not pictured)

2. Lay pattern/template on top of buttoned shirt. Center the pattern on to the center of the shirt. Make sure the collar of the pattern matches up with the collar of the shirt.

3. **Make sure to leave 1/4" seam allowance when you cut.** Cut an arm curve to match the arm curve of your template. You can find the arm curve of a dress by folding back the dress to the sleeve seam. Cut around the remaining sides of the template/pattern.

Dress cut out.

4. Using the sleeve portion of the shirt, lay on a sleeve pattern/template, and cut out a sleeve. To add fullness to a sleeve pattern (for gathering room), move the pattern about 1" from the sleeve folded edge. It's easiest to cut the sleeve with shirt sleeve folded and by folding the template or pattern in half.

5. Lay the sleeve you've cut onto the second sleeve and cut a second sleeve.

6. Cut 1" strips on the bias so that the edges of the strips needn't be hemmed. Gather the strips down the center. You can also use lace or ribbon to create the ruffles.

7. Place and pin ruffles into place. Placing the ruffles into three rows makes a nice effect. I only had room for two on each side. Curly is quite narrow. It's hard to see in the photos, but the outside ruffle row is shorter than the inside row.

8. Using a small zigzag, stitch down the ruffle trim.

9. Hem bottom sleeve edge for each sleeve.

10. Gather the center third of the top edge of each sleeve.

11. Stitch sleeve into shirt. Repeat for the other sleeve.

The sleeve looks like this when sewn in.

12. Starting at the bottom edge of the sleeve, stitch the underarm of the sleeve through to the bottom edge of the dress. Repeat for the other side seam.

13. Hem the bottom edge of the dress.

14. Top stitch closed the top edge of the collar. This is where to removed the pointed collar portion.

Enjoy your new dress.

Happy Sewing!
Debbie

Tuesday's Tute: Pretty Enough to....Wear..... or....... Eat!

2011-09-20T05:02:00.000-07:00

Chunky necklaces were the in thing in the 80s, and like many other 80s styles, they're back. I found a fun craft while searching the internet that made these cute necklaces from gumballs. I didn't want mine to be edible, so I tried spraying them with acrylic. It worked. They are now beads that are the size of gumballs....not gumballs. Of course, if you want them to be edible, simply skip the spray step.

Materials:
Gumballs Our's came from Party City and were 2.99 for an 8oz. pkg. with about 18 gumballs.
My neighbor says some convenience stores also sell gumballs for less.
Ribbon or Lace A length long enough to string, knot, and tie a bow.
Drill and bit (washed if you are eating them)
Large eyed needle
Acrylic spray
Clear Fingernail polish

Directions:

1. Spray gumballs with acrylic spray. Let dry and repeat. More light coats work better than less heavy coats. I sprayed outside on an old cookie sheet I use for crafting. While spraying I gently rolled the gumballs around on the tray by tilting the tray. Make sure to keep gumballs from touching each other or anything else while drying (except the tray).
I should have used something without the paint splatter. Some of the paint splatter came off on the gumballs.

2. Drill a hole through the gumball. I used an 1/8" bit for smaller ribbons and moved up from there until the larger ribbons fit through without cracking the gumball. **Wash and dry the drill bits after use.**

3. Thread the ribbon through the embroidery needle and string a gumball.

4. String a gumball, tie a knot, string a gumball, tie a knot....
If you happen to crack a gumball while you are drilling or stringing, you can brush a bit of clear fingernail polish over the area after stringing it. I cracked a couple near the hole when I forced the ribbon through a too small hole a couple of times.

5. When you have the number of gumballs you'd like on your necklace, tie a pretty bow, and you have a necklace. You can keep the gumball part a secret or tell all your friends. It all depends if you want them to know you're wearing a gumball necklace ;). Maybe you do want them to know....how clever and crafty you are.

Happy Sewing!
Debbie
This post is linked at

Featured!!!!!!

2011-09-14T04:41:00.000-07:00

I was featured on Reuse and Upcycle. Yeah. Check out all of the cool ideas Rachel shares.
Happy Sewing!
Debbie

Tuesday's Tute: Dying Lace with Paint

2011-09-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

Wish you had some lace of a specific color? Have lots of white or off white lace and some craft paint? You can easily dye your own lace.

Materials:
Craft Paint (the $1 stuff at the craft store)
Disposable cup, bowl, etc.
White or off white lace
Spoon
Water

Directions:

1. Mix paint and water to a milky consistency. About 5 water to 1 paint ratio. The more water, the more translucent and lighter the dye. The less water, the deeper and more opaque the dye. Too much paint can make the lace become stiff.

2. Add lace and stir to coat all of the lace with the dye bath.

3. Lay or hang the lace to dry somewhere you don't mind a bit of paint drippings. I use our chain link fence, a tree, or bush (in this case). Do not rinse.

4. After the lace is dry, it's ready to use in your next craft or clothing project. It doesn't wash out. (So don't get it on something you don't want it on. ;)

Happy Sewing!
Debbie

Tuesday's Tute: Sunscreen Stain Removal!!

2011-09-06T05:39:00.000-07:00

I've been searching for years for a way to get the awful yellow stains out of our white clothes that were left behind from spray sunscreen. I'd tried every possible laundry stain remover I could find, including bleach. I love the ease of application of the stuff, but the stains it leaves behind make me so angry. This year I thought I had found a way to avoid the stains. I'd sunscreen the children before they got dressed. But, it still found a way to get me. I'd made Curly an outfit this spring that had a white shirt in it. She wore the shirt and it went into the wash. All was well....no. It came out of the washer with a huge, bright yellow/orange stain around the neckline and all over one shoulder. This sunscreen had made be angry before, but until now, it had only stained ready to wear, nothing I made. This was the last straw. This stain had to come out!!!!! After some time on google I found a possible solution.
Sunscreen stains happen in the washer when rust (I didn't know I had rust in my water, no orange anywhere else), clings to the sunscreen residue. Rust remover was the only answer. The shirt was "ruined" anyway, so why not try the stuff. I found iron out in the laundry section. And,...

Materials:
Sunscreen stained white clothing
Iron removing cleaner (I used Super Iron Out.)
*****Well Venilated Area***** This stuff will choke you. Don't breathe it!!!!
Disposable gloves
Bucket/or dish pan for cleaning the garment in.

Directions:
I'm sorry I have no pictures. Writing a tutorial about this didn't come to mind until after the stain had been removed.
1. Wet garment with hot water.
2. Put an inch or so of hot water into the container.
3. Lay the garment so the stain is easy to get to into the container.
4. Put a layer of iron remover onto the stain. (stay back and don't breathe it!)
It will bubble up white foam with bits of orange (the rust coming up).
5. Rinse and repeat until the garment is white again.

I don't like using chemical things. And, for most things I'd leave the stain rather than use this method. But, for the occassional special item, it's nice to know there is a way to get the stain out!
Since the children are older and easier to sunscreen, we'll be using the old fashioned kind next year.

Happy Sewing!
Debbie

Tutorials All Organized!!!!!!

2011-08-30T08:20:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited. I finally got all of our wonderful tutorials organized. In the left column you'll find the blog categories listed. Within the Tutorials section you'll find groupings for accessories, clothing, techniques, and shopping. No more scrolling through pages of tutorials just to find a specific something. Take a new look. You may find a hidden treasure!
Happy Sewing,
Debbie

Tuesday's Tute: Knit Dress Upcycle for Me

2011-08-30T04:17:00.000-07:00

The first photo is the full-length hooded dress I started with. The second photo is my new dress.

A couple of weeks ago I was in the thrift store browsing for fun knit dresses to rework. I really wanted a dress or two for vacation. I found this gem for $2. It was full length with a hood. I'm not a hoodie fan. I asked my husband if the color was good prior to cutting it. He like the color but thought it odd that I'd buy a hooded nightgown and wasn't at all thrilled with the thing. I reassured him that it would be a much different looking dress in a few minutes. Yes, it took me less than 30 minutes to change this one. Knit is so much fun.

Materials:
Knit Dress with extra length
Ball Point Needle (for sewing w/knits)

Directions:
1. Cut the hood off so that it left no trace.
2. Cut the length to the knee. (or where ever you want it to be) I didn't hem it as it cut off nice and straight.
3. Cut several 1" strips from the left over length for the ruffles.
4. Gather the ruffles down the middle. Follow the "Gather" link to our amazing gathering short cut.

5. Beginning at one shoulder seam, using a 2x2 zigzag stitch, stitch ruffles along the neckline. Turn the corner at the other shoulder and continue stitching down the ruffles. Turn again just above the bust line and finish in a similar spot on the other side. The ruffle detail can really be placed any way you'd like. (Remember: knit needs to edge finish, so these ruffles are quite easy to do.)
I'd love to see what you do with knits for your family. Send me pictures.
Happy Sewing!
Debbie

Tuesday's Tute: Brand "New" Shoes with Paint

2011-08-24T05:31:00.000-07:00

We started with this shoe.

And created this shoe.

You are probably wondering, "Paint shoes...why?". Well why not. You want one color and have a pair that fits in another color...why not paint them. It's less expensive than buying them, and you're assured to get the color or look you want. In our case, we had a failed painting experience with the first pair early this summer. They sat in the "what to do with this" bin all summer. Curly wanted purple glitter chucks, but didn't need them. I didn't need to spend time and money buying them. I remembered the shoes in the "bin" and reading about painting shoes a while back. Curly now has purple glitter shoes and all it cost me was about an hour (off and on). We already had the shoes, glitter spray, purple paint, and fabric medium in our stash. One of the best parts....no more shoes in the "what to do with this" bin. :)

Materials:

Shoes
Masking tape
Fabric Paint or Acrylic Paint and Fabric Medium-we used 1/2 bottle of acrylic and about 1" of our large bottle of fabric medium to do 4 coats of paint. We needed extra coats to cover the bright shoe color and previous paint.
Glitter Spray for fabric
Sponge

Directions: I'm sorry I didn't get in process pictures. I got into the project and forgot to take pictures. I think you'll be fine without them though.

1. Mask off all white parts of the shoes.
2. Prepare paint according to the directions on the fabric medium bottle. (if you need to mix it)
3. Apply paint to the shoe with a piece of sponge. Sponge gives a nice even coat without brush lines.
4. Let dry (somewhat) and add another coat. Repeat as necessary.
5. ***while the last coat is still wet spray with the glitter spray.*** It helps the glitter blend in to spray while the paint is wet. If you find you need another coat of paint after the shoes are dry, you can paint and glitter again.
6. After the shoes are dry, carefully remove the masking tape, lace and wear.

Happy Sewing!
Debbie

Tuesday's Tute: Dying Nylon...power mesh

2011-08-16T07:59:00.000-07:00

Skirt from Matilda Jane Clothing

Last year I saw this skirt from Matilda Jane Clothing. It's so colorful and twirly looking. I loved it in pictures and had to see it in person. What was it made of that allowed it to flow so softly and be so lively? It's made of cotton woven (yoke), power mesh (red), and the ruffles are combinations of light weight knit and cotton woven.
Cotton woven, and knits are easy to find, but this power mesh in colors was trouble. I did find some online, at a cost. Also, there was the unknown weight and weave. This was very light weight and had a tight, almost can't see the wholes, weave. Online was too risky. Joanns had it, but only in black and white. So I wait and hunt. Skirts like this are found in the stores made of tulle. But, we've found tulle to tear easily. Some make this type of skirt out of nylon chiffon, but again, it's not as durable as I'd like. Power mesh is durable, yet light and flowing.
Last week I looked at the white at Joanns again. It's the perfect weight and weave. But, it's 9.99/yd. I had a 50% off coupon. Could I dye it? I'm not good at that. Rarely do I get a rit dye to come out the color I hoped. I don't want to mess up this fabric....
I called my trusty and knowledgeable knit friend, Anne St. Clair of Needlenook Fabrics. She dyes things all the time. Can I dye this...how? Her reply...I couldn't believe...Kool Aid.
I started with White and, within 30 min., got this. The exact color I wanted, a bright ocean blue.

This is absolutely the easiest and most fool proof dye job I've ever, ever, done.
The tutorial:
Materials:
Fabric (nylon, wool, or other protein based fabrics that need an acid dye)
Kool Aid (I used 7 pks of Blue Moon for 1 1/2 yd of fabric)
A pot that you don't mind if it's colored for a while. It's food based so I won't hurt you.
A stove
Water and a Spoon

Directions:

1. Wash your fabric (no softener).
2. Wet your fabric. I dyed mine right from the washer
3. Fill your pot deep enough to easily submerge your fabric with room to move. vinegar is not needed as kool aid is acidic enough to set the color.
4. Bring to a simmer.
5. Add kool aid to the color you want. (The color of the water is the color your fabric will be.)
6. Drop in your fabric and stir. You want to do this kind of quickly.
7. The fabric is done when the color from the water goes into the fabric and leaves the water a frosty white. (Mine was done within a minute of stirring.)
**Heavier fabrics may take as much as 2 hours of occasional stirring. From what I hear.**
8. Remove fabric and rinse, then run through the spin cycle. No color will leave the fabric during rise or future washings.

I can't wait to get this fabric made into the skirt. I'll be sure to update this post with a photo when I get it made up.

Happy Sewing! Dying!
Debbie

Tuesday's Tute: Cheering for the Reds

2011-08-09T18:28:00.000-07:00

Close up view on her fitting form.

We getting ready to go see the Reds play baseball. Handsome Dude is all ready with his jersey (birthday present) and baseball pants (made by me). Curly was feeling a bit left out with nothing "Reds" to wear. She wanted a Reds shirt. We weren't going to be near any stores with Reds apparel, and I didn't want to pay for a shirt that she'd wear just a few times. She suggested we make her an outfit. She wanted to help. This mama will take any opportunity to create with her little girl...so I took on the challenge.

Sure enough google led me to a Reds logo that could be saved to my computer. From there we used a few of our past tutorials and created this outfit in just a few hours. The best part is "we".

Tutorial:

Shirt:
Ready to wear t-shirt that we had on hand.
Logo from a google search "save as" to our desktop.
Acrylic Paint and Fabric Medium or Fabric Paint
Glitter Spray (optional)
Freezer Paper Stencil Tutorial
Instead of using a cutting machine to create the stencil, print the logo onto the freezer paper (dull side) and use a sharp instrument to cut out the logo leaving the stencil.

Skorts:
Our Tutu Shorts Tutorial
Lettuce Edge Tutorial (optional) I lettuced edged the bottom of the leg openings.

Socks:
Lettuce Sock Tutorial

I would have used our Bling Tennis Shoe Tutorial also to make some baseball/Reds related shoes if we had some red or white canvas shoes around in the correct size. :(
I hope you enjoy some of these before school starts. You could even use some of these tutorials to create something special for school.

I'm reorganizing the labels for the Tutorials. In the left hand column the tutorials are being listed in categories (Clothing, Accessories, Techniques, etc.) instead of one large group. This should make finding a tutorial of interest much easier.

Happy Sewing!

Debbie

Tuesday's Tute: Headband from Cuffs

2011-08-02T17:43:00.000-07:00

You may remember the dress I upcycled and wrote about last week. It was long sleeved and had these beautiful cuffs on it. I simply couldn't toss them away. They became a hair tie at first and now a headband. It's a much better headband than it was a hair tie. It was a bit too wide and heavy for the hair tie.
Materials:
Two cuffs
Sewing machine or needle and thread
Hair elastic
Velvet ribbon (optional)

Directions:

1. Remove the cuffs from the garment. (Fray check raw edge if necessary.) Remove buttons. The button holes will be concealed under your hair.

2. But the (button) ends together and stitch. I used a zigzag stitch and went over it twice.

If your cuffs are slippery, you may want to handstitch (to hide the stitches) or glue velvet ribbon to the wrong side of the headband. This is keep it in place and eliminate slipping.

3. Stitch a hair elastic to the wrong side of one end of the headband. I used a zigzag stitch.

4. Stitch the hair elastic to the other end of the headband. Make sure not to twist the headband.
That's it!!!
The next time you find an item at the thrift store with cute cuffs...well you now have a use for them.

Happy Sewing!
Debbie

PS. For those of you following my back/muscle issues and grain-free diet progress, I started the grain-free diet yesterday and am doing well. Two weeks ago I saw a Rheumatologist and thankfully, no RA. I see a Physical Medicine and Rehab. specialist this coming Monday. Thank you for your prayers and advice.

Tuesday's Tute: Dress For Me: Upcycle

2011-07-26T05:07:00.000-07:00

I found this dress at Goodwill a couple weeks ago for $2. It was much too large for me, but was a lovely, light and drapey fabric with beautiful lace and beaded trim. I've learned that light weight dresses are great ballpark attire. I know it may sound silly to wear a dress to the ballpark, but it's quite nice to have a free waistline and a breeze up the skirt on a really hot and steamy day. And, I won't wear shorts!!!
It's very easy to upcycle a dress. I used my Fun and Easy Knit Top Pattern to cut the bodice down and my hip measurement to make sure the skirt would fit nicely on my hips.

Materials:
Too Large Dress
Sewing Supplies
Pattern

Directions:
1. Try on the dress. Determine if you like how the neckline fits. The neckline fit great on me. I simply needed to downsize the sleeve and body width.
2. Follow this tutorial. Lay the pattern on the dress so that you cut off where it needs cut down. (I laid my pattern on this dress at the shoulder seam and did not change the neckline or remove the sleeve. I shortened the sleeves, and cut the underarm of the sleeve and down the side to fit the pattern width and hip measurement. I'm sorry I forgot to take a photo of my pattern on the dress for you.

I used the trim from the sleeve cuffs to create a headband. I'll get pictures and write that up for you another day.
Don't forget to take advantage of the .99 pattern sale to celebrate my birthday with me. Details on the post below.
Happy Sewing!
Debbie

Happy Birthday to Me Sale... .99 cents

2011-07-26T04:42:00.000-07:00

I'm having a birthday. I want to give you all presents. All of our patterns are just .99 cents each through Sunday, July 31st. Use the code Birthday at checkout.
Happy Sewing!
Debbie

Tuesday's Tute: Very Large T-shirt to small... Tutorial repost

2011-07-19T13:17:00.000-07:00

Last summer my Handsome Dude found a large dog t-shirt while thrifting. I upcycled it into a t-shirt his size and wrote about it in this tutorial. This past weekend we were watching is favorite "big boys" play baseball. One of those boys gave our Handsome Dude one of his past jerseys. It was a men's large. As you can see in the first photo it was very, very big on my Handsome Dude. It was so loved and wanted we found a way to put in on while at the game. The next day, however, Handsome Dude wanted me to downsize it (and wash it) so he could wear it to watch them again that night. With my trusty Fun and Easy Knit T-shirt pattern ready to go, it took me only 30 minutes to make a large men's into "just right" for my Handsome Dude. The only tricky part was getting the logo and number to fit in. I didn't want to alter the neckline, so the number and logo are a little low. Adding extra length to the t-shirt allows us to tuck in and pull the shirt out enough for the number to show nicely. His new jersey looks great with his baseball pants made with our Cute and Quick Pants Pattern.

Happy Sewing!

Debbie

Tuesday's Tute: Ruched Top (sewing machine not necessary)

2011-07-12T17:44:00.000-07:00

Thank you all for praying for me the past few weeks while I allowed my back to recover. I'm better, but not whole. The doctors are still working on the "Debbie" puzzle. But, I can sew a bit, play a bit, and do some of the mommy like things I enjoy. I even found a way to pick green beans without involving my back muscles. I'm still quite limited and won't be able to write weekly, but will post tutorials as my muscles allow. Your continued prayers for wisdom for those on my health case are much appreciated. And, prayers for me as I begin a grain free, dairy free diet to decrease inflammation in my body and reset my blood from all of toxins that I seem to have collected. I'm a bit nervous, but hopeful and willing to try anything to feel like myself again.

Now on with the Tutorial....

I just love ruching, or vertical gathers. Sometimes it's done with a cord inserted into a channel or elastic, but I've started doing by running a simple gathering stitch knoted at both ends. As long as the vertical seam isn't going to have much tugging (to break the thread), this method is quick and cute. Best of all a gather stitch can be sewn by hand, no machine needed.

Ruching is a great way to add vertical and horizontal interest to anything, pants, shorts, skirts, and, of course shirts. This top was a bit long so I ruched the sides to shorten it a bit and give it a bit of pizzaz....and hide a less than interesting waistline. ;)

A close up of the ruching.

Materials: Garment to ruche

Sewing machine/needle and thread

Directions:

1. Starting at the bottom, backstitch and sew a gathering stitch as high as you'd like. Pull up gathering stitches. Pull right side thread through to the wrong side and tie several knots.

Have fun ruching. I think I'm going to try a snake like pattern on the front of a top...hmmmm. It's so wonderful to be back!!!!!!!

Happy Sewing!
Debbie

Tuesday's Tute Re-Post: Bias Cut Ruffles

2011-07-05T13:30:00.000-07:00

Create any design you'd like with bias cut ruffles.
Happy Sewing,
Debbie

Tuesday's Tute: Tutu Shorts Re-Post

2011-06-28T09:52:00.000-07:00

These shorts were a favorite at the Original Creative Festival this past weekend. I'm reposting it so that it's easy for all of our new friends to find.
All you need is a shorts pattern, and we can help you with our Cute and Quick Pants, in the right hand column of this blog, about 3 yards of tulle, and this tutorial. For the tulle, you can also buy three rolls of 6" tulle. (6" is how wide the tiers are.) With pre cut tulle, our pattern, and our gathering trick (in the tutorial), these tutu shorts are quick and easy to create!!!!!
We used the method in the Ruffle Pants pattern to create the matching bear shorts.
Happy Sewing!
Debbie

Welcome Creative Festival Friends

2011-06-26T10:48:00.000-07:00

Thank you all for stopping by the SquigglyTwigs Designs booth or attending a class or fashion show. We loved meeting so many new friends.
We have a special gift for our Creative Festival friends. We're giving each of you 50% off an order placed in the next two weeks. Comment on this post with your email address and something about us at the festival (anything) and I'll send you the discount code. You ony have two weeks to claim your gift.
Welcome to Squiggly Twigs.
Happy Sewing!
Debbie

Tuesdays Tute: Replay...Gather with your machine without pulling any threads!

2011-06-21T05:26:00.000-07:00

Happy Tuesday to you all! My back is getting a bit better. I'm still on the search for the reason for the regular down time and a solution to get me fully back up and running. Your prayers are quite welcomed.
But, thankfully, I'm up enough to do the basic things I do in a day, with times of rest. This weekend will be a big test for my back. We have our biggest show of the year. We'll be teaching and doing fashion shows at The Original Creative Festival at the Sharonville Convention Center. The convention runs Thursday-Saturday. It's an amazing show with workshops, demonstrations, and fashion shows from many different types of crafters (sewing, quilting, yarn crafts, beading, and weaving, etc.). Some of the workshops have a fee (our skirt class does), but many are free. The convention costs $8 per day with a $2 off coupon at their website. You can see the workshop, demo, and vendor list there also. If you ever wanted to learn a new craft or take your current craft to the next level, The Original Creative Festival is the place to be.
Make sure you stop by and say hi at the SquigglyTwigs Designs shop or better yet come to one of our classes or shows. If you are within a short drive, you could make a fun little trip out of it for a group of friends and daughters. There are many hotels within walking distance. And, an indoor waterpark across the street to make a fun little family vacation.

Now for the Tuesday's Tute Replay...Gather with your machine without pulling any threads! Yes, your machine can really do this. We love, love, love ruffles and I haven't pulled threads since learning this technique. You can love ruffles too!!!!!
I hope to meet some locals at the Festival. For those who are a bit father away, watch the blog for some surprises while we're gone. I hope to share a bit of what I see at the festival with you.
Happy Sewing!
Debbie

Tuesday's Tute: Peek-a-boo Shoulder Shirt by Anne Weaver

2011-06-14T04:51:00.000-07:00

Hi everybody! My name is Anne and I’m the Sewing Editor over at Craft Gossip. I’m super excited to share one of my favorite tutorials with you here at Squiggly Twigs. I’ve been a fan of Debbie’s for a while now. She makes such beautiful things – skirts and dresses and hairclips and more! And I love that the focus of her tutorials and ePatterns is on building sewing skills and confidence.

So today I’m sharing the tutorial for my Peek-a-Boo Shoulder shirt. The shape of this shirt was inspired a top I saw in a Tea Collection catalog. (http://www.teacollection.com/product/1s12015/girls-shirts-mariposa-top.html) It was cute enough, but $29 for a child’s top (it’s now reduced to $19.50) is a bit steep for my budget. And the lines are so simple! I decided it would be easy enough to make one myself. Even though the one I made is in a child’s size, there’s no reason that you can’t follow the same process and make one for an adult.

I call my version The Peek-a-Boo Shoulder shirt because the tops of the shoulders are left open. You can make one out of knit yardage, or if you’re making a child-sized shirt you could get your knit from a larger tee.

Here’s the tutorial:

First, gather your materials.

You'll need either jersey knit yardage or a t-shirt large enough to cut your pieces. (Size needed will depend on the size of shirt you're making.) You'll also need some foldover elastic to bind the edges. I used less than 2 yards to bind the edges in the child's size 6 shirt I made.

Now that you've got your materials, let's draft the pattern.

This is a super easy pattern to draft. Get a t-shirt that fits and draw a boxy short-sleeve shape using the t-shirt as a guide.

You'll notice that the one I drew is wider than the shirt. That's because I used a shirt that's fairly fitted and I wanted the shirt I'm making to be boxy and loose.

You'll also notice that I didn't draw a separate front and back. The front and the back are the same shape, except for the neckline. If you cut the pattern on the taller (back) neckline, then you can cut two pieces at the same time and then adjust the neck on one of them to make the front.

Now let's sew this baby together.

1. Adjust the neckline on the front piece, making sure that the neck will be big enough to go over the head. I check this by pinning the shirt together at the shoulders and sliding it over the head. If it's too tight, just cut the neck deeper or wider.

2. Bind the top edges of each t-shirt piece with foldover elastic or knit fabric. (Bind the edges marked with red in the handy-dandy roughly-drawn diagram.)

If you've never used foldover elastic before, it's really simple to do. There's a line woven down the middle of the elastic. This is the fold line. Wrap the elastic around the edge of the fabric with the fold line aligned with the edge of the fabric. Hold it in place with your hands and zig zag it in place. Easy peasy. If you want to see how it's done, check out this video tutorial by Grosgrain. Her video shows the elastic being stretched as it's applied. This will create a gathered edge. For this project, we want a smooth edge so don't pull the elastic as you stitch it down.

If you don't have any foldover, you could also bind the edges with strips of knit fabric. This binding tutorial at Gorgeous Things shows how to do it.

3. Tack the front to the back at the neck with a couple of hand stitches. You'll need to overlap the two pieces slightly.

4. Now tack them together at the sleeve bottoms just like you did at the neck.

You may need to trim a little off the ends to make the front and back exactly the same length before doing this step.

5. It's time for some more binding. This time, bind the bottoms of the sleeves.

The binding will cover up the hand stitches where you tacked the sleeves together, making it look like it all magically comes together at the bottom. (Photo of me stitching the sleeve binding on my Janome MC6300P.)

6. Lay the shirt out flat, with right sides together. Sew the side seams.

7. If you used a repurposed shirt, you're done. If you working with yardage, fold up a small hem and stitch it in place with a zig zag.

See? I told you it was easy!!

Thank you so much to Debbie for allowing me to share my project with you today!

--Anne

Tuesday's Tute: Stars and Stripes Dress

2011-06-07T11:22:00.000-07:00

Written July 10, 2010

I'm having some serious back issues. Since I can only sit or stand for short amounts of time I'm going to take a few weeks to re-publish some of our most useful summer tutorials. We have many new readers who will enjoy these and some of you may be reminded of one you forgot about or missed. I'll be back with new weekly tutorials as soon as I can. I'd appreciate your prayers for healing. I'm not one who enjoys time out. In fact, I respond like my children to when given a "time out". lol.

If any of you have a tutorial you'd love to share on here, send it my way. I'm open to featuring some guest writers here over the next few weeks also.

On to the tutorial:

The Independence Dress

Happy Sewing!

Debbie

Tuesdays Tute: Inspiration Instead

2011-05-31T05:37:00.000-07:00

This week I'm sharing some fun and inspiration from Daria at Boutique Cafe. You can see her entire blog post about her Pink Fig interview here. The dolls on the shirt in this photo are Pink Fig. You'll find a link to the free pattern in the blog post and in the interview video. As you watch this video look closely at the fabrics used in the samples and even in the photos...great inspiration and a wonderful "tutorial" on unexpected color combinations.
Look a little further into Boutique Cafe's blog posts on Quilt Market, and you'll find a flickr group of all of the photos Daria took while at Quilt Market. It's amazing. There are hours of color inspiration in that flickr group!!!! Now, don't be tempted to jump ship and buy some of the patterns from those designers...lol :) . Well, if you do see something you love, see if we have it in our shop first ;).
Daria will be posting an interview with someone else very soon. You may want to follow her blog so you don't miss it.
Happy Sewing!
Debbie

Tuesday's Tute: Making Shirred Fabric

2011-05-24T17:24:00.000-07:00

Shirred fabric is wonderful to work with. It makes quick tops and sun dresses for summer. But, it can be very expensive and it comes in limited fabrics and prints. With this in mind, I was asked to write a tutorial on how to make your own shirred fabric. It's actually quite easy to do.

Materials:

Fabric: 1 rectangle that is 1.5 times the circumference of the wearer by the length you'd like the garment to be. Hem the top and bottom edges of the rectangle. My tutorial example piece will become a top for a doll.

Elastic Thread: wind the elastic thread onto a bobbin by hand. Do not pull the thread tight as you wind and do not allow it to wind sloppily. A nice and gentle wind will work great.

Directions:

1. Load the bobbin into the bobbin case. Set the stitch length to a gathering/basting length. Leave a thread tail of about 4" or so.

2. Set your presser foot along the top hem edge of the fabric. Knot/back tack about 4 times, then sew along the top edge to the other side of the fabric piece. Stop and read step 3...do not cut.

3. Knot/back tack about 4 times. Do not cut.

4. Pull the fabric out just enough to turn it around to go back the other way.

5. Set your presser foot down next to the first row of stitching. Knot/back tack about 4 times and sew the second row. Repeat the knot and turn steps.

6. Knot and sew the third row of shirring. Continue the pull out/knot/sew steps until you get the amount of shirring you need for the planned garment. Knot/back tack the final row about 4 times. Pull out about a 4" tail and cut the threads.
Tie the elastic thread and regular threads together securely for each side. Leave the tails long until after you sew it into the garment.

This shows the knotted ends of each row.

The shirred fabric from the back.

If you'd like your shirring to tighten up a bit more, hit it with a burst of steam from your iron. You can now put right sides together and stitch up the side seam for a skirt, top, or a dress and add some simple straps.

The shirring technique is nice for necklines, sleeve edges, waistbands, and empire waist details. It can also embroidered and inset into a garment to resemble smocking.

Happy Sewing!

Debbie

Introducing: Miss Patricia (A-line) e-Pattern

2011-05-17T17:52:00.000-07:00

The Miss Patricia is the go to pattern for an easy A-line skirt. It has a faux front waist-band and elastic in the back. With the formulas and instructions, you are able to create a custom fit skirt very quickly for any size, and with just two pattern pieces. You can also vary the length of the skirt and the width to make it as long and full or short and straight as you like. Lastly, by using a contrasting ruffle, you can add your own personal style.

The Miss Patricia A-line skirt e-pattern is only $3 through May 23rd. After the 23rd, it will be $6, it's regular price.
For those who purchased our discontinued A-line pattern and are interested in this one, email me at squigglytwigsdesigns@yahoo.com prior to purchasing the Miss Patricia.
Happy Sewing!
Debbie @ SquigglyTwigs Designs

Tuesday's Tute: Little Birdie

2011-05-17T08:14:00.000-07:00

We've had several birds nest around our home and yard this spring. This past Saturday we were able to watch as two babies made their first flight. It was truly an amazing experience. Because of all of the bird watching these past few weeks, the children are very interested in anything bird related. Therefore, Curly wanted a bird accessory....which makes a perfect Tuesday's Tute! You can sew with a sewing machine, like we did, or hand sew, or use an adhesive. Adjust the instructions and materials according to the method you choose.

Materials:
Sewing supplies
Scrap fabrics large enough for the bird/wings pattern
Batting or scrap fleece (like ours)
Eye
Scrap for back tab
Adhesive to hold pieces together for sewing
Bird/Wing Pattern (two sizes included) pdf http://www.4shared.com/document/nOujSkvI/05-17-2011_095556AM.html This is my first time using this service. I hope it works for you. Comment and let me know.

Directions:

1. Cut pieces according to pattern. With wrong sides of your fabric together, lay your pattern onto the fabric and cut the pieces you need. The pdf includes two bird sizes. One, we made, is about 5" long. The second is shorter and "chubbier".

2. Trim batting so it's just a bit smaller than your fabric pieces. This will keep the batting from showing when the bird is finished.
3. Sew Wings...sew Bird: (no picture...I'm sorry I forgot to take this one) Sandwich the batting between two fabric pieces. Stitch around each wing, near the edge, then through the inside to "quilt" it, and hold the batting. Do the same for the bird and "quilt" the tail area. We used a contrasting metallic thread to give our bird a bit of "glitz".

4. Place wings, one in the front and one in the back. Stitch them to the bird, one small spot will do.

5. Sew on the eye. We used a pearl that we had on hand. A small button, bead, or embroidery thread will work well.

6. Cut a piece of scrap to create a tab. A tab allows you to use a pin, headband, or hair clip with your bird. Hand sew each end of the tap to the back layer of the bird. Make sure your stitches don't go all the way through.

We'll be making more of these little guys to complement our flower and bow collection. I can see a small bird as the center of a boutique bow.... hmmm the possibilities.

Watch this week as our newest skirt pattern comes online. I'm working on final edits today.
Happy Sewing!
Debbie

Tuesday's Tute: Make Your Own "Screen Printed" Tee

2011-05-10T03:27:00.000-07:00

There are screen printed tees everywhere. Many of them are quite pretty. Many quite expensive. And some with designs that include things we'd rather not have. So we made our own. It's quite easy actually. After putting on the butterflies, I decided to add a little ruffle to make this tee a tunic. Add your own ruffles with this tutorial. Then upcycled a pair of leggings. These leggings were originally made from a large adult thrifted tee and this pattern. The leggings were from winter with black ruffles. I replaced the black ruffle with white tulle. Since Curly has grown this winter, the leggings are now a cropped length and perfect for a new outfit. This week I'm going to write about "screen printing" with fabric paint and a handmade stencil. There are many ways to make a stencil for "screen printing". You can trace and cut it by hand. But, we like the precision of our Cricut Machine and and flexibility of the SCAL software.

Materials:

T-shirt
Fabric Paint (or craft paint and a fabric medium...mix as the fabric medium suggests) Our paint is silver metallic.
Paper for stencil
-we use freezer paper
-you can also use paper and a temporary spray adhesive
Tracing supplies or stencil cutting machine (cricut and software)

Directions:

I'll be writing directions for the use of the cricut to cut the stencil. You'll apply which ever stencil making method you choose to use.

1. Lay freezer paper on to cutting mat. Make sure it is secure. I like to tape down the corners, since freezer paper likes to roll up.

2. Choose and cut design. We got our butterfly free online and used our SCAL software to resize and cut it with our Cricut. SCAL software allows you to use a variety of svg files without purchasing a number of cartridges. In fact, we have hundreds of free designs found online and only own one cartridge...the one that came with our Cricut.

3. Remove the outline pieces of your design and place them on the tee then iron. They'll stick. Make sure all of the edges are secured to the tee.

4. We used more than one size and more than one butterfly. So we cut and placed three butterflies on our tee.

5. Place a mat of some type inside the tee so that the paint doesn't bleed through....absolutely necessary!!!!

6. Using a sponge dab on paint until you cannot see any tee shirt through it, but you don't want to over do. Too much paint will cause the paint to squish under the edges of the stencil.

7. Allow the paint to dry to the touch. Place it out of the reach of curious assistants.

8. After the paint is dry to the touch carefully remove the paper stencil. And, you have a screen printed tee. I think I'm going to add a "bug trail" to this with some hot fix crystals.....
Heat set with your iron as directed on the bottle of your fabric paint.

We'd love to see what you choose to "screen print". Please send us pictures or post them in our flickr group. Also, we'd love to answer any questions you might have about Cricut or SCAL. You can even buy SCAL by following this link. (And, yes we are an affiliate and will earn from your purchase.) We use our machine and software to cut all types of appliques, hair accessories, and of course stencils! But, no we don't scrapbook....oh my!

A new A-line skirt pattern should be ready this week. Keep watching for it's launch and special price.

Happy Sewing! (or painting)
Debbie

Tuesday's Tute: Frayed Petal Flower

2011-05-03T15:39:00.000-07:00

We love flowers. They make great hair accessories for my daughter and I or clothing accessories. We put ours on alligator clips so we can clip them in our hair, on a head band, in a pony band, or on our clothing or purse.

This flower has "petals", and a frayed edge,and is double sided, to give it a bit of extra pizazz.

Materials:

4" x 36" strip of fabric (this measurement can be varied to create different flower sizes)

Small felt or fabric piece

Button or beads for flower center

Clip or pin (We like to cover the top piece of the alligator clip with velvet ribbon to keep it from slipping. To do this: start at one end and wrap the ribbon around and under the top piece of the clip. Fasten with hot glue.)

Sewing supplies

Needle and Thread or glue

Directions:

1. Spray the fabric strip with spray starch (optional to stiffen). Fold the strip in half and press. Cut a wave pattern on the raw edge side. (cut both pieces at together)

2. Sew a zigzag stitch along the wavy edge (about 1/4" from the edge to allow some fray). Metallic or contrasting threads will look great as the zigzag stitch. Sew a gathering stitch along the folded edge.

3. Pull gathers up quite tight.

4. Wrap gathered strip in a circle and stitch or glue as you go to create a flower.

5. Stitch or glue on button.

6. Cut a felt circle to cover the stitched area. Stitch or glue the felt circle in place.

7. Stitch or glue clip onto the felt. If you've used any glue, you'll likely need to use glue for the pin. It's quite difficult to stitch through glue.

Enjoy your new and unique flower. Please share pictures at our flickr group or by email at squigglytwigsdesigns@yahoo.com.

Donations Requested: A friend of SquigglyTwigs Designs, sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Cristina and Daniel, lost their home, it's contents, and their cars in the tornadoes that hit Alabama last week. The day after the tornado Cristina gave birth to a healthy baby girl, Zoe. They also have a toddler. Please scroll down to the previous post to read how you can help. Thanks!

Happy Sewing!

Debbie

Baby Shower Fundraiser!!!! Let's Help a Family in Need

2011-04-28T12:51:00.000-07:00

A dear friend of mine, Samantha of The Handmade Dress, has family members in need. Her brother-in-law and his family lost everything in the Alabama tornadoes last evening. They lost their home and all contents, and both of their cars. They are all well. But, they do have needs.
Samantha's sister-in-law was 39 weeks pregnant, last evening...as of a few minutes ago, they have a new healthy baby.
So...I'm hosting a virtual baby shower. The proceeds for all patterns purchased through Mother's Day will go to them as well as all donations made to a special paypal account for this purpose squigglytwigsdesigns@yahoo.com Make sure you donate as a gift to save on paypal fees. If you haven't used paypal before, email me for directions.
Please feel free to share this with others, as they'll need lots of help.
Blessings,
Debbie

Introducing: Miss Amy

2011-04-26T16:08:00.000-07:00

made of pink linen

made of printed knit

made from upcycled t-shirts

casing neckline close-up

This is such a fun dress to make and wear. Your daughter will be dancing and twirling about for sure in Miss Amy. Make it for an outing or for play with the fabrics you choose. The included pattern piece, size 6 mo. -size 10 girls, is ready for you to customize your bodice and cut the sleeves. You will find the cap sleeve length already marked on the pattern piece. The three tiered skirt has the tiers attached on the outside, giving a sweet little ruffle at the top edge of each tier. When made with knit and raw edges, the dress is a quick and easy creation. Want more than three tiers...it's all up to you.

A tunic length looks great paired with the Cute and Quick Pants, also designed by SquigglyTwigs.

SquigglyTwigs Designs uses non-traditional construction techniques to make sewing fun, easy, and so quick. There are two unique techniques used in the construction of this dress. One is constructing the dress in the flat with the side seams sewn last. The other is "tricking" your sewing machine into gathering without the use of a special foot.
This pattern will be $3 through Monday May 2nd, then it will be at it's regular price of $6.
Happy Sewing!
Debbie

Tuesday's Tute: Ruffle Shorts

2011-04-25T14:23:00.000-07:00

Inspired by these (above) at Chasing Fireflies and Matilda Jane, we used our Cute and Quick Pants Pattern to create these (below).

We used a single ruffle and made them out of knit. But with the following tutorial you can make as many ruffles as you'd like and use knit, tulle, or woven. (You'll need to finish the raw edges if using a woven though.)

Materials:

Shorts Pattern

Fabric for the shorts + 4" for the ruffle strips (single ruffle)

Low tack tape such as painters or masking tape

Directions:

1. Cut out the shorts (left and right leg shown) and ruffle strips.
The ruffle strips are 1 1/2 times the leg opening in width and 2" in length, each.

2. Gather the ruffle strips. We use our machine to gather. Set the top tension at a higher than normal number (the dial near the top, probably set on 4 or 5 normally). Set the stitch length at the longest length.

Leave a long starting tail. Do not knot. Sew the gathering stitch with your presser foot along the raw edge. Do not knot. Leave a long ending tail.

3. Lay one leg of the shorts flat out. Tape down one of the bottom leg corners.
Lay the ruffle on top and tape it down (above).
Adjust the ruffle to the same length as the shorts leg. (below)
Remove tape, and do the same for the second leg.

4. Sew ruffle into a circle. With right sides together fold ruffle strip in half and stitch the raw edges together to create a circle. Repeat for the second ruffle.

5. Sew the shorts together following your pattern directions.

6. Match the ruffle seam up to the shorts inseam. Lay the ruffle on top of the bottom edge of the shorts leg. The gathering stitch will be about 1/4" to 1/2" from the shorts edge. (above)

The ruffle circle should fit the pant leg with minor adjustments in the gathers, if any.

Stitch the ruffle on by sewing on top of the gathering stitch and regularly checking to be sure the ruffle is sitting in the proper spot on top of the shorts leg. (below)

Repeat for the other leg.

If you want a second row of ruffles, simply place the second ruffles at a good spot above the first one and repeat this step.

7. Your shorts are done and sure to be loved this summer.

Happy Sewing!!!
Debbie

Winners!!!!

2011-04-19T18:25:00.000-07:00

The e-pattern giveaway winner from last week is Shirley! I have your email, and I'll send your pattern to you tomorrow.
The Follow Me Giveaway winner is RomyLou. I'll email you shortly and you can tell me which pattern you'd like me to send your way.
Thank you all for following and entering.
Happy Sewing!
Debbie

Tuesday's Tute: Silk Flower...Hair clips or pins!

2011-04-19T18:17:00.000-07:00

The larger, fluffier flower was made from two silk flowers stacked together.

Flower pins and hair clips are so popular right now. Use it as a broach, on a headband, or clip it in the hair or on a purse. There are many places you can use this little accessory most anywhere.
They are very easy and inexpensive to make. All it takes is a few hand stitches and a bit of glue. The supplies are easily found at any craft or discount store.

Materials:
Flowers
Pin or clip
Needle/Thread
Glue
Center decoration (button, jewel, beads, or earring top)

Directions:

1. Start with the bunch of flowers.

2. Take the flower head off. (sorry about the blur)

3. Pull apart the flower, removing all of the plastic parts. Toss away the plastic parts and keep the petals.

4. Stack the petals and stitch them in the center.

5. Glue the clip or pin to the back of the flower, and the center to the front (sorry no picture for that).

Enjoy your quick accessory!

Happy Sewing!
Debbie

Tuesday's Tute: Giveaway instead

2011-04-12T08:27:00.000-07:00

We are giving away an epattern instead of doing a tutorial this week. I've got a bit of a back problem this wwk and can't do my usual activities.
So leave a comment here telling me which pattern you'd like to win and why.
I'll do a random draw next Monday night and announce the winner in next weekSs TuesdayS Tute.
I'll announce the follow me winner then as well.
Please excuse the typos. I'm doing this post from my phone and don't know how to go back and edit.

Happy sewing,
Debbie

Tuesday's Tute: Tutu Shorts

2011-04-05T04:27:00.000-07:00

Tutus are so much fun to make and wear. For active little girls, however, they can be a bit immodest. To solve the modesty issue, we've "invented" tutu shorts. These are a breeze to make, fun to accessorize, and even more fun to wear!

We made our shorts with the Quick and Cute Pants e-pattern, but you can easily create tutu shorts from ready to wear shorts also. The outfit pictured includes a our "tutu shirt", flower headband, and matching bear outfit. We've made tutu shorts with knits and wovens. You could also do this with capris or leggings.

Materials:

shorts

6" wide strips of tulle 4 X the circumference of the shorts for each layer. Hobby Lobby sells this in 6" wide rolls. One roll per layer is sufficient. The glitter type is "sticky" and not suitable for this project. (We used this for one pair.) We cut our own from inexpensive tulle at Walmart (for two other pair).

Washable marking pen

ruler

Sewing machine and supplies

Directions:

1. Measure and make layer placement lines.

-put shorts on child and find the lowest straight place to draw a line. You want this placement to be on the flat part of the body, not on the curve going under the bottom. Mark this spot.

-remove the shorts and draw a line around the shorts for the lowest layer.

-mark a line 2-3" below the waist of the shorts for the top layer

-divide the remaining area in 1/2 and mark the line for the middle layer.

2. Gather the tulle strips. It's likely more than one tulle strip will be needed for each layer. As you are sewing your gathering stitch lay in your next strip (overlapping about an 1") and continue gathering until the entire layer is gathered. If you use our gathering tutorial for this, you'll set your upper tension at 9 or 10 for tulle and still need to pull thread a bit to get the layer gathered enough to match the circumference of the shorts.

Repeat gathering for all three layers.

3. Adjust gathered tulle layer to fit (close but a bit long is good) the circumference of the shorts.
Sew the layer onto the shorts on top of the lowest line. Sew on top of the gathering stitch. Sew all the way around the shorts overlap the starting point about 2" and cut off the excess strip.

4. Adjust and sew on the middle layer.

5. Adjust and sew on the top layer.

Have a great time with your tutu shorts!!!! Curly certainly does!!!

Don't forget about the Miss Maria giveaway at Bless Their Hearts Mom Enter by April 11th.

And, scroll down one post to comment for a chance to win an e-pattern of your choice in the "Follow Me Giveaway". You need to be a blog follower and leave a comment including your email address to enter.

Happy Sewing!

Debbie

Follow Me...Time to Give a Pattern Away!!!

2011-04-03T04:44:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry to be delayed...been sewing and writing patterns! I'm working on dresses, skirts, shorts, skorts, and a shirt the boys will love.
I see we have hit the 200 follower mark and it's time to give a pattern away. To be fair to our regular readers, anyone who comments on this post before midnight ET Saturday April 9th will be entered into this random drawing. Please leave your email so that I can tell you "you win". The winner will have 2 days to name (tell me which pattern you want) and claim their prize.
Also, this will be the last of the "Follow Me" giveaways. I'm getting ready to change things up a bit to make giveaways a bit more fun and unexpected :).
Happy Sewing!
Debbie

Featured and a Giveaway on.....

2011-03-31T05:22:00.000-07:00

Nicole at Bless Their Hearts Mom has featured SquigglyTwigs Designs on her blog.

And, she's giving away a Miss Maria e-Pattern. There are lots of ways to gain entries. Run on over and visit her and enter.
Happy Sewing!!!!
Debbie

Tuesday's Tute: Cooking Mudpies? Make a Mudpie Apron.

2011-03-29T10:47:00.000-07:00

Last week we had a wonderfully warm week. And, a little (wink) mud. My children were quite busy cooking in the mud. (Before aprons.) At the end of their cooking day they were covered in mud. So being the "kind" and helpful mama I am, I cleaned them up....with the hose.
The next day my daughter chose to cook again, without such a mess. (I guess she didn't enjoy my clean up method, hehe.) She asked me to make some "mud proof" aprons so that her clothes wouldn't get muddy. Of course, my son wanted one also. Using a cheap vinyl table cloth, two "mud proof" aprons are ready for use...when it's warm enough again.

Materials:
Vinyl Table Cloth
Apron as a template
Sewing machine or needle and thread
Scissors

Directions:

1. Lay apron into the corner of the table cloth. I made two at the same time by leaving the table cloth folded in half.

2. Cut around the body of the apron.

3. Cut off two longer straps for tying the apron around the body. And, one shorter strap for around the neck (make sure it's also long enough to go over the head after it's sewn).

4. Place the straps where you'd like them. Pin. Sew in place.

Your apron is finished. You can finish the edges if you want with bias tape or ribbon, or even add some embellishment to the front. Our aprons are meant for a messy, utilitarian purpose...no frills added, this time. Now they can make all the mud pies they want and stay a bit cleaner. When they finish cooking, only the apron will get the hose, lol.
I'll use the remaining piece of table cloth as a "wet grass mat". What's that, you may wonder? Put a vinyl table cloth on wet ground pretty side down as a picnic blanket and keep your bottom dry. Or get fancy and sew two together wrong sides together. No need for a "neat sheet".

While you're here visiting, make sure to see your newest e-pattern, Miss Elizabeth. She's only $3 through Monday, and will make the perfect Easter dress and dolly dress, too.

Happy Sewing!
Debbie

Introducing: Miss Elizabeth our newest e-Pattern

2011-03-28T11:37:00.000-07:00

Check out price now fixed at $3. I'm sorry for the inconvenience.
Miss Elizabeth is a classic. Any girl will feel like a princess in Miss Elizabeth with a dolly version to match. Depending on the fabrics you choose this can be the dress for a special occasion or a fun dress for a party. You can even make this tunic length and pair it with some Cute and Quick Pant ruffle capris.
We used cotton for the bodice, bodice lining, and overskirt, and lace for the underskirt with a satin lining, to create our special occasion Miss Elizabeth. The bodice back has interesting buttons and loops for the closure. Use matching buttons or add a bit of whimsy by using mismatched buttons from your button collection.
The final detail is the front flower and lace pin. You're guaranteed a perfect fit for any size, when using a t-shirt as a template for the Miss Elizabeth bodice and measurements for the skirt.
At SquigglyTwigs Designs, we use non-traditional techniques to make sewing easy and fun. We're always here to help you create the dress you'd like to create.
Miss Elizabeth is available through April 4th for just $3. After that date she'll be at her regular price of $6.
Happy Sewing!
Debbie

Miss Maria

2011-03-23T16:32:00.000-07:00

I made this Miss Maria and doll set for the local American Girl silent auction. I just thought I'd show you some more of what this pattern will do. This one has a sash that ties in the back.
Happy Sewing!
Debbie

Tuesday's Tute: Sweet Skirt Tutorial (Petticoat tutorial rewritten)

2011-03-22T07:32:00.000-07:00

Want to make one of these skirts for any size, even a doll?

Or how about this petticoat?

This is a wonderful beginning project for a new sewist. I've rewritten a tutorial from waaaay back to include some wonderful new tips that make this skirt or petticoat the perfect project to learn to sew with. Or a quick skirt to complete for the experienced seamstress. Better yet, use this project to teach your daughter or granddaughter to sew.

Click here to go to the updated and much revised Sweet Skirt (petticoat) Tutorial.

Please share pictures with us on the flickr group or by email at squigglytwigsdesigns@yahoo.com

Also...watch for our newest pattern coming this week. Miss Elizabeth is a beautiful choice for Easter!!! Any little girl will feel like a princess in Miss Elizabeth.

Happy Sewing!

Debbie

A Miss Maria Review!

2011-03-17T05:18:00.000-07:00

One of our pattern testers, Suzanne, made this Miss Maria and has reviewed the pattern on her blog. Go take a look. Suzanne does great work and I love the fabrics she chose for the dress!!!!
Happy Sewing,
Debbie

Tuesday's Tute: Sewing Machines...how, what, where, how much??????

2011-03-15T06:17:00.000-07:00

This week's post isn't our usual type of tutorial. I'm going to address my most frequently asked questions.... Where to I get a sewing machine? What kind do I get? Do I have to spend a lot? Should I just get the $50 special at the super store?
First I'm going to address the super store question. Honestly it's the easiest. No, No, No. Do not buy an inexpensive machine from a chain store. You can do better for the same or less money. In all of the classes I've taught, these are the most problematic machines I've seen. Not to say all of these machines cause problems, but many do. Also...the higher end machines at the chain store can do a nice job...but I'm talking about spending a few hundred there, not the under $100 special.
Next. Where do I get a machine? The best answer, if you have $100 to spend. Is a dealer who will include free lessons. You can get a nice and great working machine for $100 at a dealer. The free lessons will be invaluable as you learn. You should be able to negotiate the free lessons, if they are not already included.
The $100 dealer machine will be a simple mechanical (not computerized) machine. It should do a zigzag stitch, have an adjustable stitch length, and have a reverse option (used to "knot" the ends of your seams). This is all you "need" to sew basic things.
If you have an unlimited budget and have never sewn, the dealer is still a great place to go...free lessons. Be careful that you don't buy more machine than you can handle. Don't get overwhelmed with bells and whistles. I've had my machine for 20 years. It has a lot of stitches. Most, I've never used. Extras I like are the button hole stitches, a few small embroidery stitches, the triple zigzag, and the overcast stitch. I paid a lot, but got a quality machine that has been a workhorse for 20 years. Durability here was my key!!! I asked the dealer for the "toughest and most durable" machine he had within my budget.
No dealer nearby...shop online. I've dealt with Ken's Sewing Centers and love them. They sell new, used, and refurbished. They sell supplies. And, they service. Mostly, they're customer service is absolutely wonderful.
Now for those who are looking to spend little and get "big" results. I love this part.
It is possible to get a great machine for free. Yes, you read correctly. Start by asking friends and relatives, acquaintances..... You never know who has a machine in the closet. If it doesn't have a manual, find one online and get to work with it. At most it needs serviced. Although, most things you can service through the manual.
Another free place is http://www.freecycle.org/ or even Craigslist. Be careful to always meet in a public place for this.
You may take in a few junkers, but free may be worth the effort. By the way, if the free machine isn't worth fixing you may find it as a helpful trade at the dealer...or they may be able to reuse it. Don't toss it.
Inexpensive sewing machines (under $10)...can be found at thrift stores and garage sales. Take an extension cord, thread, and fabric scraps with you. Give it a basic spin. You'll be able to tell if it works at the store. Check the store's return policy. If they have one, take it home and work it over. Again, it may need some service. Use your manual. If it needs more, take it to visit the dealer and ask for a look over and fix estimate. If the fix estimate is too much, return it and try again.
A good dealer will give you the time of day. They'll want your business one day.... If they won't help you, kindly, find another one who will.
A few extra tips: Heavy is good. Older is good. These are mechanical and made with metal. Easily fixable. Great older machines are made by Bernina, Viking, Kenmore, Pfaff... Lighter and newer may not be as good. Newer models vary so much in quality that I can't give you a definite reliable brand at this time. Some of these are made with plastic parts and meant to be throwaways.
Also, ask the sewing machine fix it man which (newer) models he sees most often and then stay away. And...google reviews and read them. One review doesn't make or break a model, but many, good or bad, can help make your decision.
When it comes to free or $10...just go for it!!! You may find a diamond in the rough!
Happy Sewing!!!!
Debbie

Tuesday's Tute: Lace, ribbon, and a Flower....

2011-03-08T05:01:00.000-08:00

Make this beautiful accessory with just a few found items. We made two. One is a hair clip and other is the pin, pictured, at the waist of my daughter's Easter Dress.

Materials:

Lace

Liquid Starch

Towel

Curled Ribbon (click the link to see a tutorial on creating this)

Silk Flower We took our silk flower from a hair clip purchased at Glitter. The clip had two flowers on it. One flower was used for each accessory.

Hot Glue or other quick drying glue

Paint Brush

Hair clip or Pin

Directions:

1. Stiffen some of the lace with starch. (do not stiffen streamer lace) Lay the pieces of lace out flat on a towel. Saturate the lace with liquid starch by brushing the liquid starch onto the lace. Move lace pieces to a dry spot on the towel. Allow lace to dry thoroughly. Check for proper stiffness and repeat if necessary. Lace should have stiffness similar to grossgrain ribbon and hold it's shape.

2. Take stiffened lace and create a figure 8, as pictured.

3. Continue arranging lace into the above shape to frame the upcoming flower. Glue pieces into the center with a dab of quick drying glue.

4. Add streamers by gluing them into the center.

5. Place (do not glue yet) flower into the center and check the arrangement.

6. Put a circle of glue onto the back of the flower to keep it secure. Place flower onto lace/ribbon arrangement.

7. Add glue as necessary to hold lace, ribbons, and flower into place.

8. Add the hair clip (as we did on this one) or pin.

That's it!!! They are beautiful and really easy to create. Please share pictures with us via our flickr group or by email at squigglytwigsdesigns at yahoo dot com.

Don't forget to get your Miss Maria e-pattern while she's only $3. She'll go to the regular price of $6 on March 15th. Take a look at Miss Maria...you certainly don't want to miss out.

Happy Sewing!

Debbie

Introducing the Miss Maria e-Pattern

2011-03-04T07:16:00.000-08:00

Full Size Pictures of Miss Maria

Miss Maria is a dress my daughter has been requesting for some time. She saw a similar dress on a website and asked to sew this one herself. She chose to use many fabrics to create Maria. Some of the colors I didn't think even matched, but they certainly do look great together.
We like to wear our Maria with a top underneath in the style of a jumper. It would make a nice sundress also. Wear it with a pair of ruffle pants or capris for another look.
You can choose a solid skirt by eliminating the strip section of the directions. You can add the apron option to the sash. Or like ours, you can choose as many colors as you can find. You can even use contrasting threads for top stitching and hemming.
Maria can be made from nearly any fabric...your design options are endless.
SquigglyTwigs e-patterns are not intended to teach traditional sewing skills. We teach sewists techniques to create fun and easy clothing with their own unique style.
This pattern includes bodice pattern pieces for size 6 mo. to size 10 and 18" doll, detailed photos, drawings, and carefully written instructions to enable you to create your own version of Miss Maria.
The Miss Maria e-Pattern will be at the introductory price of $3 through March 14th. It will then be at it's regular price of $6.
Happy Sewing!
Debbie @ SquigglyTwigs Designs

Tuesday's Tute: From Jewelry to Hair Pins

2011-03-01T05:11:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago I learned of a new jewelry store at our local mall. The store's name is Glitter. Almost everything in a Glitter store sells for $1. This is a crafter's gold mine, especially when we love to repurpose things...inexpensively, and love hair accessories. Glitter does sell hair accessories, but you can't beat making an original. A week ago I visited the Glitter store, without children. I'd never get any shopping done in this store with Curly's help. She'd want to buy even more than I did. I found multi-packs of cute earrings and several beautiful rings that would make some really pretty hair pins. And from there a tutorial is born...

Materials:
Jewelry
Wire cutters
Felt scraps
Quick drying glue (we used hot glue)
Hair pins Ribbon wrapped alligator clips would make cute hair clips for little ones.

Directions:

This is what the jewelry looks like to start.

1. Snip off both sides of the back of a ring. It takes considerable pressure, but it will snip off.

2. Snip off the back of the earring. These snip off easily, but the post will sometimes fly. We also snipped attachment rings off of dangling earrings with ease.

3. Cut felt scraps to cover sharp areas and provide a nice bed in which to place the pin.

4. Glue the felt into place.

5. Glue the pin into place. Be certain your pin is laying in the proper direction you want to place it in your hair when using jewelry with direction, like a butterfly. Otherwise, the butterfly will fly upside down.

Finished Hair Pins!!!!

Please send us pictures of your SquigglyTwigs creations or put them into our flickr group. We love to see what our readers are doing with the ideas from our tutorials and patterns.

Speaking of patterns....you'll want to watch this week for Miss Maria. Miss Maria was inspired by dresses we've seen online for some time. And, made by Curly.
Coming up in a couple of weeks is Miss Elizabeth. Miss Elizabeth was inspired by several dress clippings in Curly's sketch book. And, made by me as a surprise for Curly for Easter.
Two wonderful dresses just in time for Easter, a special event, or simply a fun new dress just in time for Spring!

Friend me on Facebook for an inside scoop and spur of the moment giveaways. You'll find me by following this link. http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1323303215&ref=ts

Happy Sewing!

Debbie @ SquigglyTwigs Designs

Share the Love Contest: We Have a Winner

2011-02-22T15:46:00.000-08:00

The winner of the Share the Love Contest is Darci. Darci would you email me and tell me the pattern you'd like to have from SquigglyTwigs?
Happy Sewing!
Debbie

Tuesday's Tute: Curled Fabric Ribbon

2011-02-22T04:34:00.000-08:00

I'm sure you've all seen the pretty hair bows with the curled ribbon. Maybe you even know how to curl the ribbon. I wondered if all types of ribbon would curl with the usual method and found it will. Then I wondered would fabric curl also and if so what types of fabric. So on I went with my version of a "science experiment". We curled printed ribbon, ricrac, embroidered ribbon. We also curled seersucker (polyester content) and cotton (quilter's cotton). It all curled. The ricrac would have looked better on a smaller dowel rod, as the curvy nature of it left a looser curl than I wanted. I ended up not using it in this bow and will re-curl it when I get a smaller rod.

I made this bow using boutique bow tutorials found on you-tube. For the bow part, I used scrap fabrics from a dress, cut on the bias. The center of the bow is two buttons. The larger button had holes in it's center which I covered with a smaller shank button after nipping off the shank with wire cutters. I used hot glue to hold the buttons on.

Now on to the curling tutorial:

Materials:

Fabric scraps large enough to get a bias cut: you want your ribbon strip to be two times the length of the desired curled ribbon.

scissors

dowel rod or pencil

pins

cookie sheet

clothing starch

bowl

water

oven preheated @ 200 degrees

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven @ 200 degrees.

Fold fabric on the bias. The bias is a 45 degree angle to the straight of grain.

2. Fold from corner to corner several times, keeping your bias edge straight. The shorter your cutting line the straighter and easier it is to cut.

3. Cut strips as wide as you'd like your curls to be.

We cut strips of varying widths.

4. In a bowl, mix 1 part starch with 2 parts water. Stir. Add in strips. Make sure the strips are all well saturated.

5. Take a strip out. Remove excess liquid from the strip. Pin one end to the rod. In this experiment I taped two pencils together. I do not recommend the taping. The ribbon curled better on the wood than the tape. And our strips would have been long enough on just one pencil for our bow.
Wind the strip around the rod at an angle. Do not overlap the strip. Pin at the other end. Repeat for each strip you want to do.

Wrapped and pinned strip.

6. Lay wrapped and pinned rods on a cookie sheet.

Put into the preheated oven for 20 min. or until completely dry.

7. Remove the tray from the oven and let cool. Unwrap and use for your next hair accessory project.

We'd love to see the coordinating creations you can make...now that you can use fabric scraps to make wonderful bows. Please add them to our flickr group or email to me (I'll add them.) @ squigglytwigsdesigns @ yahoo dot com.

A new pattern will debut soon. Watch for Miss Maria. She'll fit size 6 mo. through size 10 girls.

Happy Sewing!

Debbie @ SquigglyTwigs Designs

Tuesday's Tute: Acrylic Painting on Fabric

2011-02-15T04:50:00.000-08:00

Have you ever found a nice piece of fabric only to wish it had a little something more in the print? Well, with this tutorial you can easily add that little something more to most any fabric. To save on fabric and paint, I cut the pieces for the garment before painting on them. Painting the yardage would have wasted fabric and paint. The extra fabric is still the original stripe for a future project.

This painted fabric has been made into a pair of Cute and Quick Pants.

Materials:

Fabric

Acrylic Paints

Fabric Medium (helpful but not a must)

Paint Brush

Stamps Purchased at Hobby Lobby in sets

Plates and spoons

Directions:

1. Mix paints to the color you'd like. Add fabric medium as the bottle suggests. Our bottle suggested 2 parts paint to 1 part fabric medium. Fabric medium gives the paint a little elasticity and allows the design a bit more flexibility. Test the colors on a piece of scrap that matches the fabric you will paint. Some paints look different on the plate than on the fabric. Let the test dry about 15 min. so you can see what it will truly look like and make color adjustments as necessary.

2. With a paint brush, liberally and evenly apply paint to the stamp.

3. Place the stamp onto the fabric with even and gentle pressure.

4. Finish stamp design. You can see that the light color we used kind of disappeared. I had to use my brush to add another coat. The second coat was ok to do, but not easy to hit exactly where the stamp did. I didn't test this color like I should have...

Wash up stamps and brush.

5. Let dry over night. After a couple of hours, I hung these in our laundry room out of reach. They were dry to the touch at that time.

6. Heat set your prints. Lay a cloth on top of your ironing board. Lay the fabric face down on the cloth. Press, do not slide, the iron on the wrong side of the fabric. Hold for 20 sec. Repeat until all the fabric is covered.

7. Wash and wear as usual. Although, I have yet to fully dry these, as I try not to fully dry our special items. I have dried other pieces fully and haven't any issues with the paint. Our fabric medium bottle says...hang dry.

When I get a photo of her in the pants, I'll post it. They are currently in the laundry. I missed my chance the other day....

I hope you enjoy making fabric a little more special. We certainly do!

In the previous post (scroll down to see) I wrote about "Sharing the Love". We're going to share for another week. So post those photos (tutorial or pattern) or email to me and I'll load them into the flickr group. Someone gets to win a pattern of their choice.

Happy Sewing!

Debbie

Share the Love Contest! Deadline Extended!

2011-02-08T04:51:00.000-08:00

www.flickr.com

Tuesday's Tute: DIY Hair Extensions

2011-02-08T04:45:00.000-08:00

Disclaimer: I did ask my daughter if I could share this story and thereby help someone else someday. The ordeal has been a bit sad and embarrassing to her. She was happy to share.

Sometimes we have the need to try a new "craft" and sometimes we simply want to learn something new and fun. This, as you might be able to tell in the picture, was one of those times of "need". The following tutorial came out of necessity when my daughter decided to be helpful and remove the knots from the back of her hair with scissors. Since she couldn't see the result of the "knot removal" as she worked, she had no idea she was also removing her long curls completely. I didn't find out she was cutting until all of the knots were removed and I found a small piece of her hair on the kitchen floor. It must have fallen as she put the scissors away. The rest of her hair was hidden (yes she knew not to cut her own hair) in her room. She took me to the hair pile and amidst the tears, from both of us, begged me to put the hair back. I almost finished her "haircut" but her dad requested that I wait until morning to give more time to cool off and find the best solution. I'm so glad he had that request, and that I waited.
By morning I had a clearer mind and some ideas. Also, the remaining hair looked a little more useable with some time to think. I did some research on extensions and thought they might be an option although, not a good one. All I knew about were the permanent/professional ones. I didn't like the idea of putting them in a little girl's hair or the expense. After calling a few stylists, one told me about clip in extensions and where to get them. She even offered to help teach me to put them in.
These would give us the hair when we needed it, not cause any "permanent" discomfort, and be much less expensive. They were still going to cost about $85 for real hair ones. We found wefted hair (not on clips) for $45. Finding a match, since we are filling a hole and not simply blending, might be a problem. That's where a friend and stylist chimed in....make our own. Our version cost less than $10. Since I'd carefully saved her locks, I had the hair I needed. With the help of google, youtube, and some on the phone advice, I thought I could use my crafting skills and actually do this.

After this long story....a tutorial is born. Making hair extensions isn't only for use on people. This tutorial may also be used to weft hair for doll making.

Materials:
Hair your own or purchased

our hair

wefted hair (If using this start at Step 8.)

bulk hair (to weft like)

Ribbon We used 1/8" grosgrain to match her hair color. 1/4" would work also.
Stabilizer or tissue paper
Extension clips: purchased at the beauty supply store

Large Eye Needle and Thread
Super Glue

Directions:

Step 1: Tape the ribbon to the center of a piece of stabilizer or tissue paper.

Step 2: Lay stabilizer on top. We used a clear stabilizer for embroidery. You can use tissue paper. Stitch/back stitch. Put needle in down position. Lift presser foot. Lift top stabilizer. Slide a lock of hair under the stabilizer and presser foot. You want the lock to be about the length/width of the clips you are using, not longer/wider. Lower stablizer and presser foot onto hair lock.

Step 3: Stitch over hair lock. Back stitch.

Step 4: Sew about 1/2" to leave space between locks.

Step 5: Put needle in down position, lift presser foot and stabilizer, place another lock under and sew again. Always back stitch before and after each lock.
Repeat until all of the locks are done.

Step 6: Sew a zigzag stitch over your ribbon/lock line. Do this again to help secure the strands of hair.

Step 7: Cut along the top edge of the ribbon. And remove stabilizers. Now you have a weft. You can buy the hair already wefted and simply begin at this point with the tutorial.

Step 8: Lay your hair weft on a piece of paper. Lean the paper/weft on something to give it a nice tilt. I used a sandwich bag box. The weft (ribbon edge) is facing down. Also, be certain to protect the table you are working on. You cannot do the next step without the tilt. It could ruin your hair locks.

Step 9: Run a good amount of super glue along the ribbon to further secure the hair strands. Loose strands are not good. I did this 3 times. Let it dry completely in the tilted position. Tug hair slightly to check for loose strands. Add more glue if necessary.

Step 10: Cut and seperate extension locks.

Step 11: Thread needle. Take a very long piece of thead. Double it. Double it again. Thread one doubled (two loops) end through the eye of the needle. Tie the ends together. This gives you an 8 strand threaded needle.

Step 12: Stitch the weft on the top (as shown...the snap bar is on top) of the clip. Stitch the ribbon to the edge with the holes. One time through all of the holes should secure it well.

Finished Extensions! And a happy mama and daughter! In about 3 years, when her curls are beyond her shoulder blades, we'll even it all out and retire the extensions...

Now maybe I'll make myself some. I have fine thin hair and have always wanted to thicken it up a bit. (wink, wink)

Happy Sewing!
Debbie

A Dress to Share and Reminders

2011-02-02T06:43:00.000-08:00

I realize it's well past Christmas, but finally I have the pictures ready to share. You may recall the tutorials for the headband and flower in this picture.
This dress was made with our Fun and Easy Knit Top/Dress Pattern. The fabrics were upcycled from a crushed velvet skirt from the thrift store and a formal gown given to us.

Reminders:
Those followers who'd like to be in on the Follow Me Giveaway for milestone 175, need to comment before midnight Tuesday ET. Today!
Anyone who'd like the Charlotte Skirt e-pattern at $3 need to make the purchase by Wed., tomorrow. It will go to it's regular price of $6 on Thursday.
Happy Sewing!
Debbie

Tuesday's Tute: A Sweater Flower

2011-02-01T06:05:00.000-08:00

I recently upcycled some sweaters into a sweater tunic...for me. Since I like hair accessories also, I used some of the scraps to make a little flower clip. Within minutes...a hair clip to match my new sweater. Add a pin to the back instead of a clip and have a broach.
Materials:
Sweater scraps
Button
Pin or Hair Clip
Hand Sewing Supplies

Directions:

1. Cut wavy circles of different sizes. Sweater will fray. If you don't want any fray, you can zigzag around the sweater to minimize the fray. We like the frayed look.
2. Stack the circles and stitch them in the center with a few stitches.
3. Sew on a button.

4. Turn over your flower and sew or glue on your clip or pin. We glued our clip on because we line the top portion of our hair clips with velvet ribbon to prevent the clip from slipping in the hair. The velvet lining is glued in place and it's too hard to sew through the glue to sew on the clip.

Have fun with your sweater scraps, and share pictures with us via our flickr group.

Also, check the previous post and comment for a giveaway.

Happy Sewing!
Debbie @ SquigglyTwigs Designs

Follow Me Giveaway!

2011-01-29T08:17:00.000-08:00

UPDATE: AKing has won a Miss Adeline!
We have 176 followers and are ready to give away a pattern to a follower. If you are a follower and interested in winning an e-pattern of your choice, comment on this post by Midnight ET Tues., Feb. 1st.
In the comment, please give me the name of the pattern you'd like along with an mail address to use in contacting the winner.
A winner will be drawn at random on Wed., Feb.2nd.
Happy Sewing!
Debbie

New Pattern...Introducing Miss Charlotte!

2011-01-27T16:57:00.000-08:00

This skirt pattern is designed to be easy to fit and quick to assemble. Controlling the width and length of the skirt gives you several stylish options. With a wide variety of fabric options for the yoke, skirt, and trims, you can create a fun playful look or beautiful skirt for a special occasion.

With the sizing formula, you can create a fun twirl skirt for any age. Our patterns are intended to teach a creative way to sew beautiful and fun clothing in a limited amount of time. Quick and time-saving

techniques are utilized wherever possible.

This skirt looks great paired with a Pretty Peasant shirt or a top made from our Fun and Easy Knit e-pattern.

Until February 3rd, this pattern will be at it's introductory price of $3.

Happy Sewing,

Debbie @ SquigglyTwigs Designs

Tuesday's Tute: A Fancy Flower...from fancy scrap!

2011-01-25T06:03:00.000-08:00

My daughter was just certain her Christmas dress needed a fancy flower at the waistline on the sash. It was a must. Thankfully I had a bit more of our formal dress left....just enough to create such a flower. (We repurposed a formal dress into her Christmas dress.) I'd seen many tutorials on creating a flower out of stacked circles, but wanted a bit more movement in this than the stacked circles could give. We didn't need to have perfect circles at all....wavy ones were the key...and much easier to cut and melt.
Materials:
Fabric that melts (not cotton) If you don't mind a frayed look cottons will do that for you, as you cannot use the flame on them. They catch fire!
Button (or a few beads strung together)
Hand sewing supplies
Scissors
Flame (lighter or candle) A candle may smoke and leave darkened areas. A lighter melts clean, but is harder to hold, imo.
Hair clip or pin

Directions:
I hope you can forgive me for not having step by step photos for this. I made the flower the night before the dress was needed and was in such a hurry I didn't photograph my work. I haven't had the chance to make another since Christmas and simply didn't want to wait any longer to share this tutorial with you. I don't think you'll need photos anyway. If you want clarification...just comment or email me.

1. Cut a group of circles of varying sizes. The circles should be wavy ones....the more movement the better the flower looks.
2. Using a flame (be careful), run the edge of each circle around the flame. The fabric will melt slightly as you move along. That's what you want. Melting it will seal the edges and prevent fraying as well as give your flower a nice little curl.
3. Stack the circles with the largest at the bottom to the smallest on the top.
4. Hand stitch them together in the center. Just a couple of stitches.
5. Stitch the button onto the center. Buttons can be expensive. A great place to find them is on thrifted clothing. Our favorite thrift store has .99 days occasionally. A garment may not be of interest, but the buttons may be a great buy. We usually end up using the fabric for something, though.
6. Stitch the clip or pin to the back.

My daughter was right. This flower pin is exactly what the dress needed. We can easily remove the pin for laundering. I hope you enjoy this variation of the stacked fabric flower as much as we have.

Happy Sewing!
Debbie @ SquigglyTwigs Designs
PS...we're only one follower away from 175...a Follow Me Giveaway is coming soon...keep watch for your chance to comment and win a pattern of your choice.
Also, we'll be introducing the Charlotte very soon! You'll want some Valentine fabric ready for this one...hint, hint!

Tuesday's Tute (Tips): Bias Cut Ribbons and Trim and a Needle Tip

2011-01-18T07:00:00.000-08:00

Ribbon Tip: Have you ever wish there was a ribbon or trim to match your fabric? Have you ever wanted to put a little ruffle (single layer) around the bottom of a skirt that would be light weight and not need a hem?
We've found the solution. All you have to do it cut on the bias. What's the bias... Cut your fabric strips at a 45 degree angle to the grain of the fabric. Bias cut wovens, like cottons, won't fray, even when washed.
Now you can create ribbon to use in hair creations, or trim for that special outfit with your favorite woven coordinate!
Needle Tip: We're always told to make sure we sew with a sharp (new) needle when beginning a project. At our house that's a lot of needles and seeming waste. Recently I found a tip for sharpening your own. It was simply too easy to believe, but it works.
Sew through fine grain sand paper! (no need for thread, of course)
Since I found this recently, I'm not certain how many times a needle can be sharpened before it's no longer smart to use. But it's a promising frugal tip.
Happy Sewing!
Debbie

Tuesday's Tute: Add a Seam Allowance...Without Measuring

2011-01-11T05:50:00.000-08:00

I'm guessing you've run into the pattern that says...add a 1/4" or 1/2" seam allowance. I know ours do. To many that brings the horrible thought of measuring and marking 1/4" all the way around each pattern piece, or simply guessing and hoping you have enough seam space.

One of my pattern testers, thank you Patricia, told me about this tip. It's one of those ideas that make you think..."I wish I'd have thought of that".

Materials:

Pattern needing a seam allowance added

2-3 pencils

tape

Directions:

1. To add a 1/4" seam allowance, simply tape two pencils (or similar sized "draw") together.

2. Run one pencil on the top of the pattern line while the second one creates your 1/4" seam allowance, cutting line. The space between the "leads" is quite near to 1/4".

3. To create a 1/2" seam allowance, another pencil to the group (3 in all).

4. Run one "draw" along the pattern line while the 3rd draws the 1/2" seam allowance, cutting line. Make the #2 "draw" higher so that it doesn't mark.

When you round curves, make sure to keep the seam allowance "draw" parallel to the pattern line.

What to create a seam allowance of a different size? Look for items to tape together that measure the seam allowance you are after. Just make sure the first and last item will draw.

Happy Sewing!

Debbie

A Call for Pattern Testers

2011-01-10T13:42:00.000-08:00

This is a sneek peek at what our testers are currently working on. Would you like to join the group? This is a rare call to readers who would like to join our select group of testers. You needn't be an accomplished seamstress, in fact the patterns are written for newbie, crafter types. Don't like the traditional pattern, you'll love these.

What's in it for you? You get to try for free a new (secret) pattern. And, learn a new sewing technique or two.

What's in it for me? I get real life feedback and photos that will make my patterns their very best.
How does this work? I send you an email and a photo inviting you to test that particular pattern, and give you a time frame in which the test should be completed. I ask that you be gently critical and give suggestions on improving this pattern for others.
You can say yes, or no depending on your life at the moment or need for the clothing item. Whether you test that one or not is totally up to you. You cannot tell/show anyone about the pattern/garment until after it's published on the blog. It must be kept a secret....the hard part.
Also, if you need ideas on where to get inexpensive, quality fabric, I can head you in a good direction. Testing need not be expensive! The t-shirts I make cost about $1 and take less than 1 hour.
If you are interested, simply leave a comment at the bottom of this post or email me at squigglytwigsdesigns @ yahoo . com (minus the spaces, of course)
Happy Sewing!
Debbie

Tuesday's Tute: Recover an Old Headband

2011-01-04T18:07:00.000-08:00

If you're anything like us, you have a few headbands that have seen better days. Maybe they are missing some of their glitz or simply dirty looking. It's easy to "recover" the headband and give it new life. We made our headband coordinate with my daughter's Christmas dress with a few dress scraps and a bit of trim.

Materials:
Fabric and trim scraps long and wide enough to cover the headband.
Headband
Hot glue gun

Directions:

1. Cut the fabric to the length and width that you need + 1" to fold under the ends.

2. Glue the fabric edge to the inside of the headband just off center.

3. Glue as you fold/wrap the fabric around the headband pulling it tight and smooth as you go.

4. Over lap the beginning edge slightly so that this raw edge is in the center of the inside of the headband.

5. Fold the fabric ends inside and glue.

6. Wrap trim around the head band at an angle from one end to the other securing periodically with glue.

We used a piece of satin (from the skirt of her dress) that already had beads and sequins attached.

Happy Sewing!

Debbie

And the Winner is.....

2011-01-04T05:42:00.000-08:00

Thank you all for your kind comments and sharing SquigglyTwigs with others. Kim Monaco has won her choice of tunic upcycle. Congratulations to Kim.
Tuesday's Tute will come later today and new patterns will be along soon as we move into 2011.
Blessings,
Debbie

Last Day to Enter!

2011-01-03T06:40:00.000-08:00

Today (Monday, Midnight ET) is the last day to enter. See this post for ways to enter.
Blessings,
Debbie