Setting Snaps Can be a Real Pain in the A$$!

There don't seem to be many options for setting snaps out there. If you are looking for a less expensive option, you are either stuck with the Dritz hand tool or the kind you use a hammer with. I opted for the Dritz hand tool and went through multiple sets of snaps unsuccessfully before I went online to read the reviews and look for help. The reviews were horrible. This made me sad and I really didn't want to shell out the money for a KAM Snaps set (which is apparently wonderful). So I scoured the interweb looking for someone who had the magic touch with the Dritz hand tool...and I found her!

Although I can't understand what she is saying (it's not in English), the tutorial shows a new way to use the setter and it actually makes this otherwise garbage-destined piece of trash functional! I am telling you this method will save you from ripping your misaligned snaps and your hair out. It's wonderful. Good luck and happy snapping!

Twenty Minute Tote...or the Two Hour Tote....

Because I wanted to make sure that my baby shower gift was substantial, I pondered ways to beef it up a bit. After several google searches I stumbled upon The Twenty Minute Tote on the Purl Bee website. It seemed simple enough and I thought it would make a cute addition to the gift and I could just add tissue and opt of out wrapping the thing! The bag in the tutorial isn't lined and they use cotton webbing for the straps. I wanted it to be a little more finished looking on the inside and didn't have cotton webbing. So, I made my own corduroy bias tape straps (which took me way longer than it should have) and also lined the bag with the same corduroy.  

This is a very simple bag to make which made it perfect for a fledgling sewer such as myself and I think it truly could be made in 20 minutes if you have the right materials and don't try to fancy it up. The circle flower was super easy and I just freehand cut circles and sewed them on top of each other. If it's not perfect, it's rustic right?

Lovebirds Pillowcase

I love vintage embroidery. The variety is huge and themes range from a gal walking with a tomato (hilarious) to intricate floral patterns. I discovered the Vintage Transfer Finds blog a couple months ago and it is so fun! They are free patterns, which makes it even better. There is a big trend right now in the way of birds and owls, and I am totally on board. Put a bird on it! It will only make it better! So, I chose a sweet lovebird pattern, picked some random floss and got to it. Here are my results.  

I had some puckering issues and should maybe have used some stabilizer on the back.  I tend to become overzealous with the pulling fearing that my threads will be too loose, ergo...puckering! I am trying to calm down with the pulling. I decided to use neutral colors and it ended up looking like something from the 70's, which I like. I don't have plans to make a mate for this case, but maybe someday. I think this would make a cute gift for a wedding or bridal shower. Those birds are just too cute. Put a bird on it! 

Baby Headband

The hunt continues for cute little gift items and I came across some adorable little baby headband patterns. I slightly modified the pattern found here to make it even more simple. The pattern is sized for babies, children, and adults which makes it so versatile. I originally made 2 flower print yo-yos to put on it as well, but it just didn't seem right. So, I left them off and they will make their way onto another project.

Can you tell that I am obsessed with this mustardy yellow color! I bought this fabric in a remnant bin and love it. 

I used red micro corduroy to create this fabric rose. You can use craft glue or hot glue to hold it together, but I used thread and made sure not to let it show on the top. These roses are super simple to make, a great tutorial can be found here. Now all I need is a little baby to model it for me....any volunteers?

Baby Bibs

 As someone who is just starting out in the world of sewing I knew I wanted to create gifts for others. These bibs were fairly simple in their overall design. I have to admit that while the design was simple, these took a looooong time for me to finish. A few choice words may have slipped out as I taught myself how to put on snaps and applique and just sew! Ryan and Rhubarb were likely scared for their lives more than once, but I eventually triumphed and feel like I have the process down...for the most part!

Completed Bib

The front is a red and white polka-dot pattern

The owl applique I designed took some time. I embroidered the eyes and beak and then used fusible adhesive to attach the owl to the bib. Then I straight stitched around the owl and did the wings in a sort of free hand manner, going over the same line multiple times.  

I used Terrycloth on the back and attached my Midwestern*Molly tag prior to stitching the front and back together. I used a tutorial I found online to print on fabric using my inkjet printer. I will look for the link and post it. 

 This is the second in the series, a set I made for an upcoming baby shower gift.

Both bibs close using snaps and I like the finished look it gives the final product. Confession: I went through SEVERAL sets of snaps before these came out looking normal. I need to do more research on snap setting. There must be some sort of trick that the directions failed to mention.Despite the frustration, I will definitely be making more bibs in the future!

Modern Pup Painting

Ryan painted this black and white dog on an 8 x 10 canvas using a simple yet modern color scheme. It now resides on our mantle.

Monster Softie

A monster softie made for my nephew. It was orginally slated to be an owl, but due to my limited sewing skills, I messed up and didn't attached the wings like I was supposed to. So, the owl became a monster and the owl wings became monster ears. My nephew really enjoyed this cuddly little guy and it helped me to see how I could draw out my own pattern freehand and make something fun (even if it turns out to be a monster and not an owl). I liked the way the big ears came out!

DIY Chalkboard

I found this kitchen cabinet door in the clearance section at IKEA. It cost me $5. I had some chalkboard paint on hand and decided the door would make a nice chalkboard for our kitchen. I applied 2 coats of the paint, attached a wire hanger to the back and voila!

Softie Bear

I managed to be very productive this weekend. I finally had time to figure out how to thread my sewing machine, and fill the bobbin so that I could actually change the thread color! I finished up the family portrait pillow with a blind stitch. I also stitched up this little brown bear softie. The ears are done by needle turn applique and I was happy with the end look. The face is hand embroidered. I like his little crooked smile!