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  1. Hi Vanessa, Just wanted to say Thanks for this super cute idea – just what I needed to make Valentines special for my toddlers without spending a lot of $$$. Also, I wanted to let you know I added your craft idea to my list of favorite Valentines crafts 🙂

  2. two things…
    1. you’re weirding me out that you know i used your pattern! what is it that you know that i don’t know?! but yes, loving your pattern. so cute. girl and i are loving the process.
    2. where did you get your “as seen on craftgossip” button? i want one!
    oh, and one more thing? love this blog.

  3. I actually was looking at your post on baby doll diapers and I scrolled down and there it was! YAY! I was so thrilled to see your daughter hard at work on something I came up with.

    I got the craftgossip button from a friends page who was also featured. I just saved a copy of the picture (right off her blog), posted the pic onto mine and turned it into a link to the site.

    So glad to hear you love my blog! It means so much.

  4. Hi Vanessa,

    I love your hearts! Thank you – I see that you’re new to blogging and so am I – I just signed up to follow your blog and was wondering if I can post about your blog on my blog – maybe we can help grow our readers. Email me if you’re interested – icecreamandpretzels@hotmail.com Thanks!

  5. I LOVE this too! I think “I” could even make this one and have it actually look pretty good! ;)Super idea!
    It would also be great for older kids to make for their parents as a gift…going to share!
    PS
    I’m also one of your “new” followers 😉

  6. This is really cute, however, my GIRL loves Dinos, so I think I would do this in pink 🙂 Where did you find the pattern for the TREX skull??

    Thanks!
    amy
    amykandes73 at yahoo dot com

  7. I love these bags – they are so cute! I’m just learning to sew so right now I’ve been making lots of fancy burp cloths since many of our friends are having babies. I’m going to try this bag soon though – we’ll see how it looks! Thanks!

  8. I thought your dinosaur shirt was awesome…great idea – very creative and boyish way to use a ruffle. I was mentioned right along side you for my screen wreath.

    Holly
    504 Main

  9. The napkin rings are so cute! Perfect colors for Summer.

    I love your blog of course, and another of my VERY favorites is Flower Patch Farm Girl. She is creative, funny, honest and talented. I read her blog every day. I know it sounds a little strange (not in a stalkery way) but she almost feels like a friend.

    Thanks for the giveaway!

  10. I love this…Always looking for something to keep my hands busy when traveling and away from my sewing machine. Could use fabric glue in this case, I’m guessing. May take a little more, but gonna try it.

  11. Great tutorial! Found you through Someday Crafts… one of my favorite blogs currently is sewtakeahike.typepad.com… lots of fun things to see there!

    seaschell AT gmail DOT com

  12. You make we want to quit my job and craft full time. Oh wait, there is that whole house payment thing :>). Too bad for me.
    Super cute napkin rings.

  13. Bellissimo il tuo blog e le tue idee! Grazie mille per i tuoi tutorials! Thank you! Un saluto dall’Italia, ciao pia

  14. very cute vanessa, I seriously was just pulling fabrics yesterday thinking I should make myself one like that. Although I can probably say I won’t be making it in time for Saturday!

  15. It’s nice but how did you do it, I’ve been trying for ages to work with elastic thred and every time I finish one line the seams finishes undone
    can you explain me please

    sorry for my english

    Greetings
    ☺☺☺

  16. @Lulux – Elastic thread can be tricky. It took me several times the very first time to get it right. For me, it seems the key is in how you wind your bobbin with the elastic thread. Too loose, and the elastic doesn’t give you the desired effect. Too tight, and your elastic thread will brake while sewing.

    First thing. Make sure you wind the bobbin by hand. (The elastic thread goes in the bobbin and normal thread on top.)

    When winding the bobbin, you need to have a little tension, but not so much that you stretch the elastic thread. Just practice winding with different tension, then sewing a bit. The wrong side of the fabric should have the elastic thread straight. (if it’s too loose there would be loops on the back).

    When you’ve got your bobbin wound with what you think is the right tension, sew a few rows on a scrap and after a couple rows you should see the fabric gather on it’s own.

    It’s all about practicing till you get it right. You’ll learn how it should feel to wind the bobbin, etc… At least it was like this for me. It can take a while, but once you get it, it’s so amazing.

    After you’ve done your shirring (sewing with the elastic thread) to your fabric, spray it with water, and stretch it out and iron it. The heat from the iron will help shrink the elastic a bit.

    Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any more questions.

  17. the gift basket was so cute, still can’t believe you made the whole bear, how fun! and it was fun fabric shopping, too! 🙂

  18. That’s the cutest car mat I’ve seen yet! That fabric is so perfect, I need to make one for my boys now :).

    Thanks for linking up to We Did It! Wednesday!

  19. I love any well organized take-along toy. Never know when you’ll need to pass some time with the wee ones. This is fantastic. Fabric is great and the storage for the cars is brilliant. Thanks for sharing. I’ll be linking on Facebook.

  20. Girl check you out! This is so adorable! I love Riley Blake fabric and what a perfect project to use it for! Thanks for the fabulous tutorial and for linking up to Hoo’s got talent!

  21. Awww…Thanks! I’ll try to get a response post up soon. And it’s nice to know there’s another stay-at-home-mom-chemist-crafter out there. 🙂

  22. Thanks so much for the award – you are too sweet! So happy you read The Cottage Home. Your blog is adorable – you have some really fab. tutorials!!

    Thanks again,
    Lindsay

  23. Whoa, what a COOL idea. What to do with those pieces…..hmmm, there are so many possibilities!!!! You’ve totally inspired me. I’ve never seen anything like that.

  24. Jana recently wore that shirt to daycare. When the other kids commented she proceded to recite the Spicy Pony Head sketch. There were laughs all around.

  25. Sew glad you had sew much fun! Forgive the puns!

    It took me a while to get my serger out of the box too. But once I did – I love it! It makes so many things so much faster!

    Look forward to seeing what other fun projects you work on!

  26. so cute vanessa. I love the fabrics you picked for both her dresses! She looks so cute in them. 🙂 I have yet to make another one, just made view c for emily and haven’t blogged on it yet. oh well!

  27. Oh! Oh! That purple bag is to die for! My favorite color. I love the one strap design too. Thanks for the great giveaway!

    foreignquang at gmail dot com

  28. My dear, your color choices are the cats meow. Lov it!!. Really cute pattern to. Maybe I’ll add some dangley beadey things too. Hope I win, but good luck to all of you!

  29. Your son has great taste in fabric! And that backpack pattern is the best! It’s one of my go-to items when I need to whip up a cute birthday gift.

  30. So cute!!! –Both your son and the backpack. I love the color combo. The brown piping looks so great. I have the pattern but have been afraid to try it because piping is scary to me!
    Great job!

  31. Hello, I am intrigued by the freezer paper technique. Do you paint over the design and the paint goes through the paper? I looked at the other posts about it but I must be more visual than I realized. I think it is such a good idea for gifts. Can you tell me a little more how this is done?

    Thank you.

  32. really cute! love that plaid. And it’s good to see the hat fits, I was curious if the bigger size would still fit Natalie. 🙂

  33. That’s very similar to the recipe I use (from the back of the brown sugar bag), just a little less flour and brown sugar. Love them!

  34. ooh I LOVE that hat! I’ve been drooling over that pattern ever since I first saw it, and wondered if it turned out as cute in real life as it looks on the front of the pattern (I see that it does!!!)

    Awesome!!! 🙂

  35. I don’t suppose you’d consider posting a pattern? I’ve been trying to make a dino for my little girl for ages now but I am very bad at sewing and I can’t work out how to do the gusset.

  36. Great idea! My daughter has a blanket she got as a baby and has loved it a little to much, I think I will paint it on the wall.. great idea with the grid… I was wondering how you got it so perfect, I think I can do it!

  37. very cool Vanessa! You did such a great job. Did your kids want to paint their painting on the walls now too? 🙂 can’t wait to see the rest of your projects.

  38. If I had a little girl, I’d take the can can skirt pattern for sure, but since I have boys, I’d choose the rolie polie. Great giveaway! Email is in my blog profile.

  39. Awesome. I’ve been meaning to update the dresser in the baby-man’s room, but haven’t gotten around to it, yet. Maybe I’ll have to encorporate this into my fiendish plans…..

  40. So the contact paper really doesn’t peel the paint off? Wow. If so, I must try this one. I don’t have japanese fabrics but I do have a nice collection of vintage sheets I have a har time cutting into.

  41. excellent! I am making a few different kinds of headbands for my friend for christmas – and this will be a perfect addition to the mix. Thank you!!
    lindsay

  42. The pancakes look great, but the snow looks AMAZING! I will take the snow please! It will be wet where I am in SC all year except for the days that are cold enough to snow, those days are almost always sunny….

  43. Gorgeous Christmas dress!I will have to check out that pattern for my 2yo.

    They will look soooo cute in matching dress and tie – now if only I had thought of that – a tie would be much easier to make for my 5yr old, but alas I still have his Christmas shirt to pull together.

  44. Love the Rollie Pollie chairs, you did a GREAT JOB. Thanks for all of those game suggestions, besides memory we don’t have any of them. I will definitely have to look into them.

    all you other gifts look great too!

    Just Another Day in Paradise

  45. That pic is SO amazing! I had to stare at it for just a bit—LOVE how the tie EXACTLY blends into the dress during that sweet, sweet kiss! Such a keeper!!!

  46. Such a fun idea and easy. I did this last Valentines Day with a heart shaped muffin tin. It turned out super cute. It’s a fun activity to do with the kids. Takes me back to the shrinkiedink days.

  47. I would love to wear this with all of my tank tops, I am as pale as they come and I look to cheerful colors and patterns to add some warmth to my skin. This is a Beautiful cowl and I thank you for the opportunity to win this 🙂
    Good luck to all who enter.

    gerberdaisy1717 (at) yahoo (dot) com

  48. I also was told you could do this with the candy trays for fun shapes and designs. also i was told you can do this in a big long cookie sheet and then while they are still hot but cooled off a little put a cookie cutter and cut it. don’t take it out until it is completely cooled and then pop the extra around it and the shapes come out nice and clean. Do you know if you can do that or not?

  49. You are so talented. I found your tuturiol on the endless scarf and I plan to make one this wk. Found you on the Tatertots and Jello blog. I’m now following you, I hope you’ll come on by and follow me back.

  50. @Kari – I’ve never tried either way you mentioned. I’m sure the candy trays would work, but I wouldn’t put them in the oven (I’d pour the melted crayon in). I’d be curious to know how well the cookie cutters work. Let me know if you try it.

  51. Awesome tutorial and explanation… I have tried these two things with my freezer paper shirts and they worked great…

    1. For a faded/aged look use acrylic paint, it’s permanent and works great!

    2. You can print directly onto your freezer paper (non-plastic coated side), by cutting your freezer paper to the right size and putting it through your printer… this saved a TON of time!

  52. You don’t know how timely this post is – I have a long-sleeved shirt and some fabric on hand to make one of these, but have been too scared to try it on my own. Now I can follow your tutorial and get it finished! Thanks so much 🙂

  53. Both my kids love Curious George and I think I would use it to make a library bag for them!
    Jess
    jbeedelightful.blogspot.com
    jessmusumarra(at)hotmail(dot) com

  54. I am always trying to find fun things to make for my son (making things for my daughter is easy!) I just finished my first vest and bow tie combo, and I think this would make a cute vest! Although, I could see a small blanket, or soft blocks with this too. What a perfect print for a boy!!!

  55. I’m not sure what it would become, perhaps a new pillow for my little boy’s bed or, the center for a quilt. All I know, is that as we were looking at this post, he gasped and said “George!”… he’s pretty easy to please!

  56. The fabric is so cute! I can think of so many things to make with it for my little guy! I’d probably make a storage bin for him or a new backpack! His is all torn up!

  57. Such a cute print! I’d use it to make a fun backpack for my little guy to use when he starts school this fall. Thanks for the giveaway chance!

  58. Could this be any cuter???!?? how have I missed it? I would use it for a baby quilt (backing?) for a dear friend. joleehamlin [at] comcast [dot] net

    THANKS!!

  59. Pretty pretty fabric! My 5yo nephew has a jungle themed room and his best friend is his stuffed animal called Meneer Aap (Mr. Ape in Dutch). I would make a pillow and/or a PJ for Meneer Aap.

  60. I was thinking backpack, but I just Kimminita’s post and pjs for my son’s monkey “Ooo-Eee” sounds perfect! Maybe just pants so he and Ooo-Eee can match. 🙂

  61. I love the fabric! I think I would make some newborn pants for my sister who is due in a few more months. She has a girl, and lots of girl clothes.

  62. I have to ask…I have done many of these and have tried many different heat setting to iron the paper on the fabric, but sadly most of the time I get color bleeding under the paper leaving not so perfect lines. I have tried a paintbrush, the sponge, doing very thin layers to avoid soaking it with too much paint at once, etc. Any ideas would be amazing as it frustrates me to no end!

  63. A whole yard?! So generous of you. I would absolutely be making a little kid pillow along with a matching quilt (one side would be minky!) for my best friend’s brand new baby – they waited to find out and it was a Boy!

  64. WOOOOOOOOOOOOOo…ok, I like the first commenter’s idea to make a library bag.

    My first thought is to make cool pillow cases for my 1year old. We use simple (aka boring) sheets, and make our pillowcases fun and colorful. He’d love having George in his bed!

  65. I’m planning on making my son a bean bag chair for his 2nd birthday, so I would use the fabric for part of that. he is a BIG george fan, so he would LOVE this!

    caitlindye (at) yahoo (dot) com

  66. I am not sure what I would use it for. Possibly clothes for a stuffed animal, a sack to carry things around in, or a cute baby ball. There are so many choices.

  67. Liz – I usually use a cotton heat setting when I iron down my freezer paper. I’ve also found if I move remove the freezer paper and iron it down again it doesn’t give me nice edges so leave it down once down. Also you need to make sure the paint is dry before you remove the freezer paper – otherwise you can get some bleeding on the edges as you lift the paper. My other suggestion is that they’re may be too much paint or you are lifting the paper with your brush near the edges while painting. When painting the edges use strokes that go from the outside-in (so from on the freezer paper to where you want the paint). That way you won’t lift it at the edges. Hope these suggestions help!

  68. How cute! I love how you say “the tiara was just hand sketched onto some freezer paper” as if we all had freehand sketching skills!

    I really enjoy your ideas for transfers and stamps. I have two young boys so I am always looking for fun ways to spice up simple clothes and accessories. Keep up the great work!

  69. I LOVE this! I would totally make it for myself as well! I bet it would make a great daddy diaper bag if it were bigger. I’m expecting a baby in a couple of months, and I wonder if I could make a bigger version for daddy to carry, and a smaller, matching version for my almost 3 year old son to carry around? He’d love it, and he could carry his own things in it, thus freeing up the diaper bag I currently use for his little sister on the way.

  70. This is great! I love messenger bags to begin with and I love that this one is perfect for boys. I like the use of grommets as decoration. I think I know a certain sewing studio in S. Mpls that would love to have this as a class during the summer (before school starts). 😉

  71. I have two young boys, and I think that the fabric would make a great messenger bag or two (I’m thinking of a cross between yours and Steffanie’s scavenger bag) – just the thing for those curious boys of mine who like to collect / take along all manner of stuff!

  72. My boys love curious George! What cute fabric! What to make…? I’ll have to think on that one! Something for them all to share… Cute blog BTW!

  73. Oh!!! My little Bro will LOVE this!!! He loves curious George!!! 🙂
    I’m thinking either PJ’s [borring, I know] or maybe a treasure sack with a draw string!!! Oh, the possibilities are endles!!! 😉
    e(dot)wielinga(at)hotmail(dot)com

  74. My little man would love this fabric with all those animals. 🙂 He love’s monkeys as well, so it will be perfect to make as his little pillow.

    Adin B
    myholypondhill(at)yahoo(dot)com

  75. Oh, it’s so cute! I love to make drawstring bags for the boys’ toys, so that’s what I would use it for. It would coordinate well with the sky blue walls in the play room! Thanks for the chance!

  76. Whatever I made with it, I’d have to make two, one item for each laddie. Maybe a new bed pillow (as the other ones are wearing out), a grain bag to keep them warm and I’d try to eek out a pair of jammie pants – could I do all of that with one yard?

  77. I love this material and I would like to make a messenger bag for my nephew, who’s name is also Connor. He has a new baby brother and could help Mom carry his things when they go out!! Thank you for the great ideas!!
    rue(at)hickorytech(dot)net

  78. Like most kids, my older son loves Curious George. Being two, I think he’s ready for a wallet and I’d love to make one. With the left over fabric, we’d line a courier bag for him to take to the library.

  79. Hi there! So excited to see the messenger bags. Just this week I thought about making messenger bags for my little nephews. Now the CG fabric…I have been reading CG to my oldest nephew since he was a baby. Would love this fabric to make a project with him and get him into sewing. I’m thinking journal cover and pencil case.
    Thanks again
    wagnerkimberly@yahoo.com

  80. I would make our sweet little grandson a cute pillowcase from it, and give him a Curious George book to go with it for bedtime story time! He already has the wonderful Curious George/Jack Johnson soundtrack from the movie! This would be the perfect addition!
    Suzanne tobyspack@comcast.net

  81. My son is 3. We are planning on buying him a twin size bed very soon. No more toddler bed 🙂 I am planning making a quilt for his new bed. This fabric would look adorable in a quilt!

  82. I’m now a follower of your blog… LOVE the messenger bag pattern. It will be a fun project to add to my long list. 🙂

    I’m expecting my first baby in June– a little boy, and I’m just gushing over everything I see that would be cute for him. this Curious George fabric would be the cutest little quilt for his crib!

  83. Really, really cute! I don’t see a ton of boy craft ideas, so I love this – perfect for everyone! I love his final picture – it’s fantastic! Thanks for sharing!

  84. I’m a follower! I love your tutorials and recipes (though I think I already have the BEST chocolate chip cookie recipe ever myself! I smell a cook-off coming on around here…)

  85. I know just what you mean. It takes more hunting to find just the right fabric for boys. I made a few of the LBB hoodies for my guys last fall and the boys still love them. Your shark fabric is so cool!
    I was just checking out your carved stamp post yesterday, btw. Those designs would look great on fabric too!

  86. I have a grandson who loves Curious George and I would make him a special pillowcase to use when he came to visit at Nana’s for the night!

  87. I’ve got the panel of fabric that was put out awhile back to make a fabric Curious George book. My sil loves and collects Curious George stuff so I’m going to make a quilt out of the panel, and your blue block fabric would make a great pillowcase to go with it!

  88. Oooo this fabric is so cute!!
    I would make my very first project ever… not sure what though, I’ll have to keep reading this blog LOL
    I’m a new follower too keisharooATgmailDOTcom

  89. I think it’s perfectly fine, just like it is. I would work on clouds on a new painting and give this to your husband, just because. I think you are actually quite a good painter. Much better than me ;).

  90. Hi !
    Je te suis ! J’aime beaucoup ton blog !
    J’aimerais beaucoup gagner ce tissu pour faire une salopette à ma fille !!!
    Belle journée !

      • Is it possible to do this without a sewing machine? Can it be sewn by hand? I don’t have a sewing machine and I don’t know anyone that has one! And I really want to make one of these!

        • There are plenty of tutorials out there for making these without a sewing machine. Just Google no sew candy wrapper pouch. It involves a stapler. 🙂

  91. I adore playdoh and made it so often when my kids were young. Only difference – instead of food colouring use a packet of koolaid and you get colour PLUS the wonderful smell!

  92. I love this fabric!! I have two HUGE Curious George fanatics in this house… I think it would perfect to make a library book tote for the little guys!!

  93. OOhh very cute fabric – I could use it for so many things – quilt for my new nephew due in a couple of weeks or a book bag for my boys for library books or really cute pockets on some boys pants.

  94. I would use it to make my soon to be here baby a paci. holder babywhips case, and burpcloth set. and if able to squeeze another out a second paci. holder for my nephew. I just found your page and am enjoying it saved under my favorites. TFS, Ivonne (Ivyjacome@yahoo.com)

  95. TOO COOL. Maybe my kids will eat a healthy snack from such a cool bag. What great gifts to give to little ones as well. Cant wait to make.

  96. To turn it inside out: grab a safety pin (with a head that can fit through the opening). Attach the pin to one side of one end and start pushing the pin through the center. It will take a bit of time, but it will work and you’ll get the pin out the other end, then you can pull the rest of the headband right side out.

  97. This is a super great idea! Some years, for birthday presents for my grandchildren, I just send them money, but I’m always thinking of a fun way to send it. This would be so cute to make and tuck the birthday money inside! I’m doing it!!

  98. im amateur myself. when i want clouds i paint the blue on and then use clear water and a cotton ball to take it off in swishy patterns…

  99. I have always avoided things like this with zippers…but you make it looks so easy…I think I can do it…can’t wait to try! Thanks so much..the grand kids will love it!!

  100. If you only look at the pictures, it looks complicated but if you read the instructions it’s actually pretty simple! I want one for myself, I love messenger bags, specially because I have 2 little ones and I hate how the strap of a regular purse keeps falling off my shoulder. I dont need that when Im trying to put kids in their carseats! Thank you so much for this wonderful tutorial! Im gonna give it a try!

  101. My son, at age 11, has great memories associated with some of his t-shirts. Thanks for such a simple and great idea to recycle those he’s not willing to part with!

  102. Hi, I just found your blog and think it’s super cute. Thought I’d give you my tip for making play-dough…instead of cooking your ingredients on the stove, I just boil my kettle and pour the boiling water into the dry ingredients and stir. In a matter of seconds the dough starts to form. I find it so much easier and a lot less messier doing it this way 🙂

  103. my little dude loves hoods, too! Thanks for the link to the fabric shop. totally agree with you. I couldn’t find any knits that weren’t baby or camo for my 5 year old.

    Great job!!

  104. This is fabulous! I can’t wait to pick up what I need to make one for my boy! How tall is your son? Just wondering if I should use the longer strap length or not. 🙂 Thanks for the tutorial!

  105. What a fabulous idea doing a mini version! I’ve had my little person asking for the same thing and I might just do the same…

  106. What a fun day – and such wonderful drawings!!! I’m grew up in Mpls area and it is SO much fun to see and hear about familiar places in your blog!

  107. How awesome! He did such a great job!
    My youngest (hes 5) loves to draw too…I planned on taking him to see the Egypt stuff (he’s obsessed right now)…but now I think wee’ll have to bring his sketchbook down too 🙂

  108. I think your son has a gift for art.

    I think that is fun having the kids draw from such talented artists. Comparing the drawing later on is a neat idea too.

  109. I love the idea and thanks for explaining how to use the seam binding in corners and how to finish it (I’ve been crap at that ;)). I will be making these!

  110. I have that middle fabric and wanted to make placemats out of it but could not come up with a pattern that I loved. This is perfect! I don’t have any children but overall I think these are super cute placemats – thanks for the tutorial!

  111. Spray with Scotchguard so it’s even more durable (resistant) to stains from the food. It these were on my table-they would be washed almost daily.

  112. This is so awesome! I’m definitely making some for my nieces and nephews. I found some iron-on vinyl in the section by the pre-packaged interfacing (I think it’s heat n bond). Found your blog thru Anna at Noodlehead, really enjoying looking around!

  113. I just finished making this for my grandson’s 4th birthday. It’s SO cute; camo, of course. My hubbym though, said, “You’re making him a purse?” I told him to think of it as a briefcase with a shoulder strap… 🙂 Blog post AFTER said birthday!

  114. Love it! Been wanting to make some kid placemats for awhile now. This is perfect. And I’m a bit addicted to freezer paper stencils. Thank you!

  115. Thanks for the tutorial! I’ve been looking for a pre-made table setting place mat but we have a round table so the ones I’ve seen don’t fit on our table well but I could make these to fit my table perfectly. Just brilliant!

  116. What a wonderful idea, for kids to learn and play! So cute and funny fabric also. Love it! Thank you for the tutorial, maybe I’ll make one too. 🙂

  117. This is adorable. I want to make one for my son.
    How would you line this if you were to? Thinking about making a larger version for my husband. Thank you!

  118. I couldn’t wait to try these! My nieces wore theirs today and everyone loved them 🙂 Thanks for the tutorial! I just blogged about it if you want to check it out!

  119. una spiegazione più che perfetta…ma c’è in italiano??????al mercatino delle “pari opportunità” al quale ho partecipato per la festa della donna c’erano borse fatte con l’involucro dei pacchetti di caffè….originalissime,ma forse lo sai già…ciaooo e complimenti!!adry

  120. I am making some similar placements but I’m using appliques for the cutlery and such. Because they aren’t a priority on my list they keep getting bumped lower. I love how yours turned out son now I think I should get moving again on mine.

  121. As a mom of a 6yr. old daughter and twins that are 3 who also love to help… I la,la,LOVE these placematts you made!

    I just bought the Quick Easy Mitered Binding Tool and used it and WOW how awesome and easy it was to get PERfect results! check out the tutorial video here – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqkBRfQjyU8&feature=related

    and these placemats will go so much faster using the backing to turn over to the front for these placematts.

    Thanks for sharing! Love from Texas! ~bonnie

  122. Oh my goodness! I LOVE it! What a good idea to improve on that shirt!
    And I really appreciated your Skittles bag tutorial today! Awesome!
    Thank you!
    -CK

  123. I actually have some iron-on vinyl I bought a few years ago on clearance! I’m including these in my Earth Day round-up tomorrow!

  124. You did a beautiful job! I love it and hope to give a dress like that a try someday (I’m very new to sewing). The color is so pretty – yellow is so perfect for Easter & spring.
    Jess
    jbeedelightful.blogspot.com

  125. This is incredibly nice! We often throw candy wrappers ones we consumed all its sweet delight. But what we didn’t know is that even the smallest wrapper can clog drains. To keep our environment clean, we should learn to recycle just like this one.

  126. Hey, that’s one of my blocks!! 🙂

    It turned out beautifully! It was nice to meet you. Hopefully I’ll make it to a guild meeting one of these days.

  127. I have the same problem… it looks great to a certain point. But then they spread at a rate that seems from day to day!!.
    Remove the root is all you can do and that can be tricky. The root is a bit weaker when they bloom.

  128. Good luck! I am fighting over here on your site. I have the same strategy. Picking them when they are blooming yellow. I think over years they were becoming fewer. I hope!

  129. Keep your grass a bit longer, when the grass is taller there is less space for the dandelion to germinate. We keep our lawn mower set at the highest level possible and it helps a lot. Good luck!

  130. My 3 yr old wouldn’t be welcome in your garden (although he’d probably love to help pick the pretty flowers!) because he loves blowing the seeds on a ‘dandelion clock’. :o)

  131. I am your newest follower. I found your blog through a link on Craft Gossip. I’m always happy to find something for boys! Thanks so much for the great ideas.

  132. I actually think dendelions are very pretty too! They’re technically wildflowers, so why not embrace them? I’ve heard that the secret to keeping them from spreading is to deadhead them at the end of the season before they get all fluffy and go to seed

  133. What a handy thing to have in the back of the car! We live 40 min. from the “big” grocery store so I always debate on buying frozen items in the summer. My mom says to keep a cooler in the trunk but this would be much cuter and less bulky. 🙂

  134. Saw your tutorial at SMS and wanted to come here and tell you thanks! Love the bag, and I live a ways from the store, too, so I think I’d better add this to my list of “to-do” items! Did you use fabric from your stash? Love the print!
    Jacque in SC
    quiltnsrep(at)yahoo(dot)com

  135. Very cute! I might have to try this painting on fabric idea sometime too – its a nice little addition to all the cute scrappiness of the fabrics.

  136. Thank you SO MUCH for this tutorial…. This couldn’t have came at a better time! I’m going to search for some of this magical Insul-Bright because I’ve never used it before. I’ve always wondered what goes inside sewn things to keep it cool/hot. Thank you!!! Planning on making this for my groceries and for a future beach trip this summer. Yay! 🙂 This would also be a great gift too!

  137. I love lists, they make everything funner, somehow.
    One thing I thought of when I read yours is that something that could complete several of those ideas is Geocaching. Have you tried it? I’m hooked, it’s something about the treasure hunt all over the world feeling that gets to me 🙂

  138. We do a lucky dip with our holiday lists – I get the boys to tell me their list, and we put each one on a piece of paper. Then a couple of times a week I piece of paper out of the bowl or whatever I’ve put them in and we do what’s on the list (OK, sometimes there’s some manipulation from my end, but you get the picture).

  139. Finish upholstering my couch, finish my hexagon quilt, finish my Roseville pottery applique quilt. What have I done so far: started a dress, started knitting, started a new quilt. I’m very good at starting things, but not so good at finishing. I think I want to do what your kids are doing. 😉

      • It wouldn’t have the same flexibility the vinyl has and it may discolor and loose adhesion over time. If you give it a try, let me know how it works!

        • It doesn’t work well at all the glue from it will mess up your needle! I’m going to try the vinyl I pray it doesn’t do it again. I also had a problem with it tearing right through the tape and package

  140. I have always wanted to try piping, but was too afraid to try it. I think I could do it now, thank you! And I had no idea there was such a thing as a piping foot… who knew!!

  141. You made this look so easy! I have a piping foot that I bought and was too scared to try it. I may have to kick my rear in high gear and do this now that it looks so easy! Great job and THANK YOU!

  142. this is really lovely, i just made one today with the same fabric on the front! i’ll feature it on my blog with a link to your tutorial within the next weeks.
    thanks so much!!

  143. We have been using only reusable bags for our grocery and other shopping needs for about 3 years now in our humble attempt to go “greener”. The bags that we use are the basic ugly generic ones the grocery stores sell for around $2. It would be nice to have a stylish shopping bag to use. Thanks for sharing this post so much.

  144. Really beautiful job on the hat! It is gorgeous, and such a thoughtful thank-you gift. You really did a beautiful job with all of the top-stitching around the brim … I do not think that mine would look even half as good. PS – I love your blog, and have been following for a while now, you have a lot of really wonderful ideas 🙂

    Hugs, Sara @ thesplitstitch.com

  145. Thank you so much for this wonderful idea. Very cute, very fast, and perfect for the bottom of the diaper bag/purse. Made one for my son and then one for a birthday gift and they are super cute.

  146. I just made one out of Pirates Booty bag and it is so cute! I think it took a total of about 20 minutes to make. Thank you!!

  147. I want to see pictures from Craters of the Moon. I’m currently living in Idaho and want to know if it’s worth the traveling time to see it before we move to another state!

  148. Wow, this is super cute!
    Can you share a tutorial (how-to) for this backpack? Or can you tell me, where can I find one?
    I would like to make one for my 3 years old daughter. Thank you very much!

  149. I see you’ve made both this backpack and the Made by Rae one. I’m making this one and am trying to decide on the placement of the straps. Which do you think is best? Any store-bought ones seem to have the straps come from the top of the bag and attach at the lower sides, like Rae’s. I’m leaning toward doing it that way, at least with the lower attachment. What do you think? Thanks!

  150. I just finished Connor’s messenger bag yesterday. I reciently discovered your page from a search for messenger bags on oneprettything.com Your pattern was exactly what I was looking for my son. It was really easy and turned out great. He will be using it this weekend at his uncle’s wedding. They wanted him to drop leaves as he goes down the asile (so would that make him “Leaf Boy” instead of flower girl? Hmm, not sure) So I went in search of something a little less girly than a basket. This will be perfect. Thanks Lindsi

  151. You are so right this is perfect for the little toys! When those dinosaurs popped out of the bag I thought of my grandson who is crazy about all things dinosaurs!

  152. Just found your blog (after seeing the table setting placemat on Pinterest). What a fantastic site! You’re definitely talented and creative!! Love it (and all your fabric choices!).

  153. Thanks so much for the great tutorial! I have some of that fabric and will be making a few for Christmas. I just had one question – what kind of interfacing did you use? Thanks!

  154. Heather – I think I used a medium-light weight interfacing, but you can use anything you like — just not too heavy or it won’t roll up well.

  155. Gwyneth makes a lovely Cinderella. The finishing touches are great. What a good find in those shoes. They are so cute. You did a lovely job on the dress and tiara too.

  156. Great fabric, and this is a timely post. I just finished painting our dining room table (it’s been sitting in the garage for 6 YEARS waiting for the hubs to do it), and now I need to refinish all the chairs that came with it. Do you know of a good way to clean wooden chairs? I think they are going to need a good scrubbing, but I would rather not have to reseal them when I’m done.

  157. Nice tutorial. Thank you for sharing.

    I fully agree about the plastic grommets not lasting well. For Hannukah last year, I made my kids a set of bed curtains. I used large plastic grommets, so I could run the curtain bar right through the top of the curtain. By the end January, the fabric had slipped out of most of the grommets, and some of it had torn. Now I have to cut off the top part of the curtains, sew a new strip up there, and replace the grommets. Do you have any recommendations for setting LARGE grommets? I’ve never seen metal ones big enough to run a curtain bar through.

    Thank you!

  158. Sarah –

    I have seen some large metal grommets (for curtains) at places like metalgrommets.com, however they’re very expensive for the large sizes and you’d need to buy tools to set them (just like what I used only larger). For some reason, the price goes up quite a bit for larger grommets. I suppose you could search more online to see if you can find a good deal, otherwise I would switch to maybe using loops at the top of your curtains instead — or just add superglue when you attach the plastic grommets to see if that helps hold the fabric in and in place.

  159. How cute – I think I am going to make these in cotton and to heck with kids – my husband & I will use them!!

  160. You have one smart cookie on your hands! so cute. I have three little girls that just had birthdays so I think I’m going to have to make this for my husbands bday next week because it is just too adorable!! 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

  161. OMG! These shots are (again) so out of this world. I’m shopping for a DSLR now. Any tips on lens or anything else, I would so be grateful. Currently, I’m looking at a Cannon T3i.

  162. I don’t have a DSLR. I have a very old camera (purchased in 2000 or 2001). It’s basically a point and shoot camera. It has a nice lens, but not interchangeable. Here’s the best info I could find on it.

    http://www.amazon.com/Sony-DSCF707-Cyber-shot-Digital-Optical/dp/B00005UKBD

    Made me laugh reading the manufacturers info. It’s so old now — what I’ve learned is it’s all how you take the photos, not necessarily the camera (obviously there are some fabulous lenses out there which I drool over too!!!) but overall here’s some general suggestions:

    switching to manual is always better,
    natural light whenever possible
    using picnik to edit your photos

  163. Just made this for a christmas present for a friend. (i’m 16 years old) Loved making it, and I ate all the candy. which im slightly ashamed of. 🙂 awesome tutorial though. thanks!

  164. Loved the idea and here is what I did – I made one like you suggested and used the iron on vinyl. I started to make the first bag and I melted it – my iron was too hot – and I bought the larger bag of candy! Made a second bag (much cooler iron)using fabric for the back and put the iron on vinyl on it. After completing it, I felt that the vinyl make it too stiff and crinkly.I also didn’t like the zipper installed that way (It is a personal preference of mine.) I then made another bag, no iron on vinyl, installed the zipper a little differently and put a little pleat in the bottom so the bag stands up. This one is softer and I like it better. I will be giving these bags to my grand daughters as a Christmas gift. I can send photos if you would like to see my bags.

    Cindy Roth
    http://www.longarmuniversity.com
    cindyroth1.wordpress.com

  165. Love this so much!!!! I’d been thinking of doing a doorway puppet theater, but I haven’t seen anything quite as cute as yours. The bunting and colors are great.

  166. have you ever heard the poem that goes along with this picture? The owl and the pussy cat? Its hilarious to try to read to little kids who just don’t get the joke. Anyways, you did a wonderful job, so pretty

  167. I love the green one too cute, I made one from Ashley’s pattern too, my daughter loves it! Never thought to make one in greens for my son. Really nice job.

  168. What a sweet high chair. It reminds me of the high chair we found for our daughter many years ago. It was unfinished and my husband finished it. Our oldest granddaughter played with it and now it will be passed on to our newest granddaughter who turned 7 months old today. I am crazy about having something to pass down like this to a new generation. It is wonderful that your parent saved this great chair. It fits Bitty Baby well…I will be buying Bitty for my little one too…she will fit just right in our chair too. Thanks for a nostalgic, for me blog post today.

  169. Kaelin — I don’t know how well it will stand up in a bathroom. I think the mod podge should be ok (if you do a few coats and let it dry completely, but I don’t know if the contact paper will stay tacky in a moist environment. I’d test out a small piece of plain contact paper first, if it holds up, I guess I’d try it with the mod podge too. Let me know if it works . . .or doesn’t! 😀

  170. Thanks for the excellent tutorial – definitely a much cleaner view in my mind of how to install a zipper and turn everything. Best tute I’ve seen!

  171. Hi- I made one of these skirts and it’s come out quite well but I’m still a little unsure on adding the elastic- do I close both side seams up first and then case the elastic? Also is there any place on the skirt that is good to leave the gap for the elastic- i.e. near the side seam? Thanks

    • Yes, close the side seams before making the casing for the elastic. I like to leave my opening for the casing near the side seam, but it really doesn’t matter. Let me know if you have any more questions!

  172. This is absolutely ADORABLE!! I’m putting together a section of crafts for LOVE month on my site … http://www.wikimommy.com … and I would love to feature this!! Please email me ro (at) wikimommy (dot) com and let me know if I may re-post this on my site. Thanks for sharing!!

  173. Your post reminds me that I need to get my act together and whip something up with those blocks. It was fun making wonky stars. Wonky log cabins were a bit more challenging IMHO.

  174. Can you tell me where one can find a piping foot? We don’t have much in the way of sewing in my town, and the next town over is 92 miles away…something tells me they wouldn’t have it either.

    I found a couple of feet that are zipper/cording feet, but they don’t have the ditch, they just have one side off like the zipper foot does.

  175. Ikea has “stir stick” style ice trays! Basically they make long skinny ice cubes, are silicone, and only about a buck each! Another way to do this 🙂

  176. You have the most adorable little smurf, I’m sure he is a cheeky smurf. The costume is excellent, well done!
    I came here looking for a pattern for a smurf hat for the ballet Gala of my little smurfette (and all the others smufettes). I also love you choice for the little blue “tail”, quicker to make than a wool pompom.

  177. so cool!
    maybe you could show us how to do it without the kit! get your chemist juices flowing… : )
    cheers, Mariana

  178. Okay…I am totally impressed by all your amazing tutorials. I just spent at least an hour on your blog. Wow! You are quite inspiring. I have a sewing machine and haven’t used it in months. Perhaps I will take it out tomorrow. I have the material, the sewing machine and now…thanks to you!…the patterns.

  179. If your zipper is like in the first picture, don’t change it, repair it!
    with plier: just press the zipper head narrow corners and that’s it.your zipper will work as new. I hope I was clear, beacause I do it for year and saved a ton of zipper (for me and all around me).
    Thank you for sharing this, it’s always useful!

    P.S. sorry for my English.

    • Thanks for the tip, but I did that many times with the first zipper and after doing that several times (it just wasn’t a strong enough zipper for this bag), I needed to replace the zipper with one much, much sturdier.

  180. After a careless comment alluding to a newfound desire to take up sewing my gadget obsessed hubby furnished me with a lovely new sewing machine that has been languishing in the basement for near 7 months, it’s only outing being to hem a pair of jeans. Now, with your clearly laid out step by step instructions along with pictures of the whole process, which I love, I really think even I might manage to realize some small tip of my sewing desires! Thank you so much. These are the best tutorials I have ever seen. I am so excited and so are my 2 daughters.

  181. This is so cool! I am definitely making one for my nephew! He’ll probably love this, but I’m going to use wrappers from his favorite chocolates! I’m sure he’ll love that even more!

  182. What model machine do you have?
    i have a c20 huskystar and it is hard to find “clip on” feet for it.
    The “clip on” thing it is hard. i sometime wish i have the “screw on” type of sewing machine.
    Did that sound dirty? i hope not. *BLUSH*

  183. Thanks for the link… I didn’t measure my block until I saw your tweet and sweated for a bit. I was just shy about an 1/8 inch. It’s amazing even with a 1/4 inch foot how much to have to play to get the fabric in just the right spot.

  184. this is adorable! i’d like a woman’s size pattern for this! (whip that up, won’t you!?)
    your tutorials are always clear and easy to follow too. nice job.

  185. This is really awesome! I really want to make this but could I use something else instead of vinyl? For example that plastic foil we use to wrap our notebooks in?

  186. I’ve looked at a lot of on line instruction on piping/welting, and this is by far the best. Many thanks!

  187. I bought a nice bag for 50p at a flee market, I didn’t think anything was wrong with it until I got to the car and found the zipper was in bad shape. That started my journey to learnt sewing. I’ve been a crocheter for several years until I got so good at it. I already have basic hand sewing and never ever thought I would need to learnt to sew with a machine. And so, I started to look for books for beginners at the library, borrowed a few and as I went through the pages I became excited. I wanted more, and what’s best to look for fast info about beginners sewing than the “world wide web”! There are tutorials on videos for beginners and I got really really really excited. For months I tried to find tutorial or tips on replacing a zipper on bags, there a few but none was good or near enough to what I wanted to learnt (this goes on for awhile, had a baby yadda yadda yadda…) until today I found your blog. Thank you is just isn’t enough. You’ve helped me alot!

  188. So glad you posted this.
    I tried to scallop a headband last week for my daughter…I measured precisely.. I made it scallop perfectly as I marked it. It flopped! Not one scallop was visible. I made them too subtle…oh well. I planned to try again, exaggerating the scallop. But now, I can just use your template!
    Thanks a bunch!
    Cheers,
    Kere

  189. Thank you so much! I, a poor college student and fashionista, am so excited to find this! I am going to make so many unique one-of-a-kind and (hopefully) inexpensive skirts! THANK YOU!!!!!

  190. sweet … i love me some rabbits! thanks for the chance at winning your pdf.

    I have 2 grandbunnies that deserve their very own Lovely Lil Bunnies.

    laurie

  191. … i’m a brand new follower and can’t wait to peek at your various tutorials and pics. your Punkin banner is beautiful … and those stems are irresistible!

  192. Those bunnies are adorable. They’d make a great addition to all the baby shower gifts I need to get to making. Thanks for a chance to win your pattern! kristie_keely(at)yahoo(d0t)com

  193. Ooh me me me, bunnies are my favourite thing, AND my colleague is having a baby soon, her partner calls her little bunny, so bump is ‘very little bunny’ – I have made her a bunny themed quilt, this would be the perfect accompaniment!

  194. Great bunnies. I am sure they would be at home at my house in Australia. Already thinking about the fabrics I could use : )

  195. Aw – these are so gorgeous.

    Thank you for a great prize and the chance to win it.

    Marilize
    marilize (dot) paulsen (at) gmail (dot) com

  196. Wow, so cute. I wonder if there’s similar fabric with train tracks- my 3.5 year old is big into trains and Thomas.

    And I need to learn to use a sewing machine (I knit, crochet, embroider, hand-sew, so why not?!).

  197. How fantastic is this!!! I have a supply of iron-on vinyl– guess I will have to go get some candy!! Thanks for this tutorial!!!

  198. Loved this. I saw it this morning and tried it. It turned out great! I can’t wait to give it to my lil guy when he wakes up tomorrow. The tutorial was very well detailed. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.

  199. I just recently spent $12 at a garage sale (friday) and got a brand new bike for my 11 year old, two pairs of Keen sandles (They were worn once, maybe), 4 Zu-Zu’s complete with ‘combat gear’ and 6 books, including two of my son’s very favorite…. I Spy! It was such a huge score that I felt I needed to go home, but I stopped by ONE more on my way and found an antique rocking chair for $5!! I just KNEW my luck was out for the day so I went home and took a nap after that… and woke up to wash and place all our wonderful ‘new’ stuff. 🙂

    Blessings,

    Val

  200. my mom and i always loved going to a flee market as they are called over here. i still do with my own kids and they always seem to find the most precious things knowing i am looking for them! that dollhouse looks wonderfull, would it be possible if you send me some messurements from it? my girl wants a dollhouse like that one for ages and after seeing the picture keeps asking for that one….greetings from the Netherlands
    Winda aka little miss radikal

  201. When I was young I made everything I wore but now I haven’t sewn in years. This great tut has inspired me. I think I’ll have to make some of these for my beautiful little grandnieces! Good job on the tut, thank you for sharing!

  202. My sewing group asked that we bring in an idea for something made from a recycled item so I made one of these. Thanks for the great idea!

  203. Thanks so much for this great tutorial! I just bought a sewing machine and undertook your easy-peasy skirt as my first project! I made a few mistakes and learned a ton, but overall I am really happy with my first creation 🙂

    Thanks for taking the time to help beginners like me accomplish something easy that builds confidence for the more challenging projects to come!

  204. This is gorgeous! I am really slacking on my quilt con block. You know what, I’m probably not going, so I’ll just use the lovely fabrics I made to make some bags instead. Great work!!

  205. Soooo cute and so much easier than sewing on the roads with felt! Does anyone know if Riley Blake still sells this fabric? I can’t find it anywhere!!

  206. Thanks…I have one of those tips laying around trying to decide how to use it. With your tutorial, I am less apprehensive to give it a try. I think I was trying to feed it from the wrong end. Sad, I know but sometimes I am just an opposite character!

  207. HAHA that is SO cute (sew cute) – I saw it on Pinterest so I came over for a peek! I have several packages of the iron on vinyl that I scored on sale @ Joanns during a recent trip Stateside ($4/pack, YAY!) so I just need some candy/junk food bags – I suspect my kids would be happy to help out with that particular item, LOL 🙂

  208. I had a few questions. My husband needs a bag and he really liked ur but he needs pockets and some dividers I was wondering if it would be able to add a lining to accomplish this. Also I do actions to raise money for the army family’s was wondering if I cwould use this? It would be one time oysters

  209. thank you! this was one of the best tutorials I saw online for piping – It can be hard to teach yourself, but the step by step large, clear photos are what really helps for me, thanks again!

  210. I agree with the previous poster. This is likely the very best tutorial for learning how to sew in piping. I will be forever grateful to you! I feel certain I can do it now, thanks to you. 🙂

  211. Hi Vanessa! I feel VERY silly, b/c this seems like a really dumb question: Once you’ve determined your measurements and purchased the fabric, how do you cut out the shape of the skirt? Is there a pattern available that I just can’t find? In other words, I understand that the measurement across the waistband should be the waist size x2, but how wide should the bottom be?

    Thanks so much for putting this together! I’m a beginner, and after reading your tutorial I can’t wait to get started. 🙂

    Carrie Moore

    • There’s no pattern. The skirt piece is a large rectangle. So the bottom of the skirt is also 2x waist size. When you add the elastic to the top to gather the skirt, this gives it shape. The bottom of the skirt remains the same size as you start with, i.e. 2x waist size.

      Let me know if you have any more questions.

      Vanessa

    • Whoa! Too easy to be true! 🙂 Thanks so much; most especially for not making me feel like the mo-mo I am… *grin*

  212. Hi Vanessa….I just found your blog today when looking for toddler skirt tutorials. I followed your pattern and made the cutest little skirt for my 2 1/2 year old. I have never made any sort of clothing for her before, so I’m super excited that it turned out well. Tomorrow I’m going to make a matching one for my 15 month old. Thanks so much for the great tutorial!! Jen

  213. I made a quilt from hankies and linens. So pretty! I mixed them up with a little vintage Japanese floral bordering and backed it with yellow and white vintage stripes. A beautiful project! You’ll come up with something special by the look of your blog!!
    Roselinde

  214. I am with you — I just LOVE when a friend really appreciates receiving handmade things! I too have learned that not everyone appreciates it and I am learning who to share my handmade goodies with. Love that your friend put the hoodie on her little man for your playdate!!!! Thanks for sharing! Adorable hoodie too!! 🙂

  215. Thank you thank you thank you!
    My daughter just turned 17 months old and I was able to make her the most adorable Ladybug costume for Halloween this morning, thanks to your tutorial. Your instructions and photographs were FANTASTIC! I havent touched a sewing machine since Home Ec (15+ years ago)but I felt this strong urge to make her costume myself and your instructions couldnt have been any easier. We have a family gathering tomorrow and I plan to bring my lil Ladybug in her new skirt.
    Thanks for making Mommy’s first Halloween costume a huge success!
    ~Lindsay

  216. thank you! thank you! thank you! these skirts are just what i needed! these are so easy to make and are super cute! im such a mess when it comes to sewing! and you saved the day! thank you!

  217. I’m sewing piping around the edges of a blanket, the blanket has two “sides” or two pieces of fabric– do you recommend sewing or basting the piping to one piece of fabric first and then attaching the second piece of fabric so I can see what I’m doing and the piping doesn’t shift?

    • Yes! Sew it to one piece first. Then when you’re attaching the second piece, make sure you sew on top of the first piece again so you can sew directly over your original sewing line to make sure it hugs the piping perfectly!

      Vanessa

  218. cool…i love it…..i am busy right now and not able to tackle a full-blown quilt….this would be a wonderful project to do when your life is busy but you just have to quilt something!

    Thank you so much!

  219. Nice post! The only thing I do differently is I press the first and third columns’ seams away from the center, and the second column’s seams toward the center (or vice versa), then you get that nice nesting of seams when you sew your columns together.

    If the blocks are not really small, I don’t even bother pinning the intersections–I just hold the nest in place until they are almost in the machine. Of course this only works well if your blocks don’t need a lot of easing to line up. Probably not the most accurate way, but anything to avoid more pinning 🙂

  220. Thanks for the great tutorial! Just used it to put piping on a pillow, came out great. I would never have guessed about the opening the piping/cutting the cord/etc part on my own 🙂

  221. Hi, I am up to the part where I sew the side piece to the front piece. I cannot for the life of me make a 27″ piece fit around 3 edges that add up to 29″ am I doing something wrong??

    • It should work. You’re actually sewing around a piece that is 27″ (when you take out the seam allowances). You need to use a 1/2″ seam allowance or it won’t work right. Also don’t pin all three sides before you start sewing. Just line up one side (the side you start with), when you stop 1/2″ before the corner (keep your needle down and rotate. Re-align fabrics and continue. Do it again at the next corner and you’re eliminating 1/2″ from each side and 1/2″ from the bottom (on each side).

  222. Thanks so much for sharing!!!!
    I am not a sewer, but managed to whip up a little Christmas skirt for my 6mth old daughter in under an hour. I’m looking forward to trying it again with different materials as she grows. 🙂

  223. Hi,

    I booked marked your skirt tutorial. I have since made 3 skirts for my 5 year old and a skirt each for two of her friends. I am just beginning to sew. Prior to the skirts I had only made placemats and napkins!

    Thanks for the easy to follow tutorial. I am sticking to the basic seam but hope to master the french one soon.

  224. I have snow envy! We’ve been misty/foggy/mild for days and days. I need a good snow storm!

    Karen near Philadelphia

  225. If you buy the fun size (large) skittles bag the material is more like plastic so you can skip the iron on vinyl step – though you could reinforce inside with duct tape to make the wrapper stronger – otherwise, good tutorial.

  226. What great photos! I was looking at this camera too – but Santa needs to focus on more important things now, so that got put on the back-burner. But, I would LOVE to know how quickly you can take continuous shots of kids! My SIL has another Rebel, and it takes forever to process from shot to shot…definitely a downside to a camera when you’re trying to photograph toddlers! Inquiring minds want to know!!! 🙂

  227. I’ve made pants with shirting too. If you cut a liner from sturdier fabric and quilt the two fabrics with the sewing machine in lines or squares widely spaced the fabrics stay together. I line pants with polar fleece or flannel too using the same technique. Like Chinese baby pants. For his knees you could piece in a square of heavier fabric.

  228. I got mine last year and I have learned so much in a year. Read everything you can get your hands on and go off auto as soon as you can. Don’t use your flash if you can help it – although I’ve used it in bright sunlight when the faces are dark. There’s information everywhere. Check pinterest for tutorials.

  229. I made these this past Christmas and brought them to work and hung them in my cube. Everyone in my office thought they were the most darn adorable and cutest thing ever! I am now just exploring the rest of your blog, I am excited to see you are base out of MN, which where I live too. It’s so awesome that you are base here. I follow a lot of blogs and have never crossed anyone from MN. Yeah!! I will be following your blog and will “like” you on Facebook and follow you on Pinterest.

    • Where /what is Jo-Ann’s? I am in NSW…is there an online shop you could recommend?
      Also., I have some nice fabric I’d like to use but it is patterned on one side and plain on the other….which means I need a lining for the bag. Can you help? I’ve been trying to get my head around how to do it but can’t seem to figure it out!
      Would love your help!

      Thanks!
      Christina

  230. I have a bunch of fabric that simply doesn’t work for me anymore that I’m planning to use as teh inside layers if I ever get around to chenille. I think I can use a whole bunch of my stash this way – some may even make it to the outside layer 🙂 Thanks for letting me that know knitting with it would be tedious with a capital T.

  231. That’s very interesting. I’ve knit with plastic bags and with cut-up t-shirts, but somehow have never thought about using old fabric. My grandmother left me loads of it, and I took it because I was unsure what to do with it. It’s a bit garish. I may try this. It could be my challenge of 2013.

  232. I got a tip from the local fabric shop and use inexpensive muslin ($2/yard) to do the same thing. Works great, and if I need to later I can spray starch the pieces for a little stiffness.

  233. Great tutorial! I trace nearly all of my patterns and I’ve found a much cheaper solution than the interfacing. It’s that woven material that is used in weddings for the bride to walk on to the alter. It’s not as firm as the interfacing (unfortunately), but it’s a pretty good compromise.

    I’m definitely going to get a couple of those sharpie pens. That looks like a really good one.

    Just thought I’d share and hopefully it will help someone else. I had a pattern book in my cart at Joann’s to purchase with my 1/2 off coupon and while my back was turned, another shopper came along and lifted my book right out of my cart! Imagine that. I sure got a good laugh out of that.

    Have a terrific day!

    Debbie…(O:
    ><>

    • Hmm.. I just finished a very large lap quilt (my madrona rd challenge) and had no problems. What kind/thickness batting did you use? I used Pellon’s cotton batting (Nature’s Touch). Did you spray the batting or the top/backing?

  234. Thanks for the tutorial. I am about to try my first pipping project. But when adding your second piece of fabric, don’t you mean place the _right_ sides together? I am new at this so I am easily confused.

  235. Thanks for the measurements! It will make my skirt making adventures this afternoon much easier! And I don’t have to purchase a pattern. 🙂 Yay!

  236. Oh I love your block! I ordered “swoon” over a month ago now, but it is in the to do pile which isn’t moving very quickly! I hope that seeing it pop up all over will encourage me to get on with it! Thanks for the motivation. (And the fabric warning!)

  237. This is a gorgeous block! I’m looking for a modern quilt block that uses a circle and yours is fab! Any chance of a tutorial or even a just a pattern so I can make one myself? Pretty please??! currently making a modern quilt with 12″ blocks each a different rainbow colour! Many thanks!

  238. Had to make an emergency birthday present this morning – whipped one of these up in 45 mins! What a life saver, thanks!

  239. PERFECT…!!!
    A friend has asked me to make a pimple pull-on skirt for her daughter & this will be my perfect pattern.
    Thank you…
    Jo. xx

  240. Holy hannah these biscuits get big! I was going to use them for egg hash brown sausage gravy sandwiches to show my friends how hella awesome breakfast can be so I doubled the recipe and thought okay they will be big sandwiches we need big biscuits! and yeah they’re MASSIVE but still so good and so very awesome! Thank you for this recipe it is Snausome!

  241. What little girl wouldn’t love this skirt to couple with any color T-shirt in the summer? BTW love the name of yhour blog. PUNKIN. My mom-in-law calls pumpkins punkins and I would buy her a pumpkin every Halloween just to hear the way she pronounced it:D

  242. Hi,Love the skirt! I had a few questions. This would be the first time I am sewing anything. So, bear with me if I ask stupid ones. I would like to add a lining(that slip like thing some skirts have) beneath the skirt…how do i go about that? and what measurements should i use? and i want the skirt to be maxi length…so i just cut my fabric to the length i want. There is no other change in the measurements because of that right?

  243. I’ve gotten rather annoying with my watermarks as I have had a NEWS SOURCE steal my image, crop out my watermark and (even though I size down my images greatly before posting) re-posted my photo and it looks like a pixelated mess because they re-sized it. I know a journalist ethically knows better, but many people do not. It’s sad and frustrating. I don’t mind your watermark and hope that this puts an end to a good deal of the theft.

  244. I think your post is balanced and positive! I love that you have actually done something about the situation :-). Love your Blog!

  245. Awesome!My son was Jay for halloween ( blue ninjago) 🙂
    I’m going to do a halloween party with a bunch of kids this year, do you think your son would mind if i used his idea of creepy pizza ingredients?

  246. Wasabi, what a great name!! I love the contrasting stripe at the bottom. I am definitely going to make one of these. Thanks so much for sharing the tutorial 🙂

  247. Wooww!!!
    I love this perfect skirt!!!
    I made one and it’s my first piece of clothing that I made. I just stayed at the basic kind off skirt because my fabric was really busy. Thank you!!!!
    xxDoris

  248. Hi, I just found your blog tonight and am a new follower on GFC. I have been looking for a very basic sewing tutorial for a skirt for my daughter (almost 5). The most basic one here is exactly what I wanted and you’ve even done it in corduroy which is what I will be using. I’m so excited to whip up some little skirts for her. Thanks for the tutorial. I’m really looking forward to reading more of your blog. 🙂

    Jennifer
    http://thistlebearhome.blogspot.com

  249. i love this zipper pouch so much! that wasabi is killer! so i’m trying one right now and i’m stuck on the zipper step-my tabs seem to overhang on the edges by 1/2’on either side of the bag pieces-is that going to matter? i’ve checked and double checked measurements and i don’t see what i could have done differently? any thoughts? thanks!

  250. Just found your blog and love all your tutorials and how-tos! Can’t wait to try some, especially the bubble skirt. Only wish that you had a Pinterest button on your posts so I could pin to my boards when I’m in Explorer.
    Thanks!!

  251. Thank you so much for this tutorial! I just made a skirt today for my 6 year old daughter and it turned out great. It was a trial run for a skirt I will make for part of her Swedish costume. Thank you thank you!

  252. My mother just passed away and we are having a huge Thankgiving Celebration with all of the family – and this would be perfect for the “kids” table – not sure how many of the 21 Great Grandchildren will be there – but for the younger ones – gotta make this!!

  253. is it okay if the zipper isn’t quite long enough for the fabric? like, the candy wrapper is not as big as the zipper, but the handle is beneath the wrapper

  254. just made 9 of these placemats for the grandchildren for Thanksgiving. Thanks for reposting. I wanted to make these before and couldn’t find the pattern again.

  255. I love your picture of the iron. I used to work for Rowenta in Germany and may have made your iron depending on how old it was. I also did the coffee makers with the clear tube that you could see the water with the little red ball in it (I put the ball in the tube).

  256. Hi! I love your step by step tutorial for stamp carving! Was wondering though, how do you carve small details particularly small dots when using your speedball linolium cutter?

  257. This is my first dress that I ever made – in fact it’s my first thing that someone could wear! I just made this dress for my 4 year old – we both love it. Going to make two more for my younger girls! Thank you so much for this tutorial!

  258. I am working on a similar challenge myself, but since I don’t have much in the way of boy friendly fabric, I am going to have to spend a little on their pj’s. Good luck!

  259. I have just stumbled across you while looking for ideas for things to make next. I have added a link to you on my blog this evening. I hope you don’t mind, I enjoyed reading I thought I would share. 🙂

  260. I made a twin sized quilt with a similar method. Each block was random piecework mixed with classic patchwork using the same set of coordinated fabrics with the occaissional odd piece. I made them 18 inches. Once all were sewn together it was hard to tell where the actual 18 in block started. I quilted some bear, canoe, fish shapes on some of the large, solid blocks. I hope to finish it this year. I used greens russets and browns and tan solids and “woodsy” prints for a cabin themed quilt.

    • Hello meen, I’ve been following your blog for almost 6 months now without leaving any comment so I decided to quickly say hi today, just so you know you’ve got a fan somewhere. LOL. Your blog makes sense to me just like http://danieluyi.com, another similarly interesting blog that I’m also a fan of.

      Keep it up.

  261. Just amazing!!!!! These designs are particular and i am such a lot taken with withe these handbags. i do not know why but I’m having imagination of various cartoon characters in these bags and i am such a lot liking it. I’m always longing for new design bags, I’m so glad that I’ve found your post. Thanks for sharing.
    coach handbags

  262. Thank you so much for this! I knew I could figure out a skirt on my own but I’m still pretty new to sewing and this was SO much easier. My two-year-old adores “twirly skirts” and has been loving picking out fabric for me to make more for her! The two I’ve made so far have turned out great and took an amazingly short time to whip up.

  263. Hello!

    I LOVE this idea and I really want to try it out, though I live in Europe and I’ve been trying to see if I can find any of this iron-on vinyl. I do find some, but I am not sure if it is the same as the one you use here. Is it possible to bug you into putting up a link to the product you use? Those I could find on both Jo-Ann and Amazon is the “Heat’n Bond Iron-on Vinyl-17”W x 2yds”, but I am not sure if it is the right one. Is there a different brand that I could use as well?

    Thanks in advance!

  264. Very clear and I can’t wait to see the future posts. I can do fairly advanced stuff, but sometimes the very simple escapes me (like tying off when machine quilting). The “simple” stuff, is sometimes the most important.

  265. So very happy that Amanda Jean linked to your tutorial today. I forgot that I had visited for the candy bag tutorial once or twice before. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your method.

  266. You are a strong woman with a generous heart. I don’t know if I would be able to have given away a bag made with scraps that I loved soooo much!

  267. Thank you so much! And thanks to Amanda also for leading me here. I’ve just added you to my favorites so I don’t lose it. Florence

  268. These are wonderful and thanks for all the detailed pictures, it will really help when I go to put one of these together myself. Love the fabric choices.

  269. I have the Confidence Quilter 7469Q. They are both nice basic machines and worth the money. Everytime I sit down to sew I love using my machine. The Janome is so adorable for your daughter. What an awesome mom to teach your little one. I wish I had a daughter *pout* LOL I love sewing for my neices and nephew and soon to be a baby in September! My first baby quilt!!! Thanks for the goods on your machine! Keep sharing we love it!!! 🙂

  270. Oh oh oh, I just love this so much! I just love the way you had “like” colors in columns like that. Brilliant! So pretty and inspiring. It’s 9 pm and I want to run to my sewing room on a Friday night. Pooh!

  271. I make placemats about the large-napkin size and napkins about 1/2 the small-napkin size. Sometimes my napkins are double sided. Kids love them in their lunches!

  272. Hi, I have just finished my wasabi make up bag and am so so happy with how it turned out, I added a bit of ric rac and a button for just fun, thanx for tutorial with great pictures

  273. I just made this and I couldn’t get tight corners and turning it inside out with the sticky vinyl made too many creases. I was going to round the corners and complete the outside and inside as two seperate pieces then hand sew the inside to the zipper. Can’t wait to try it this way:) great idea though love it

  274. Finally! I found it! A great tutorial on how to make PERFECT zipper tabs! My Niece LOVES the bag I made her (me too)! Thanks! I’m a newbie blogger (and sewer) but, I did manage to post a pic of the bag. 🙂

      • Honestly, it was so long ago that I don’t remember. I would suggest a woven mid to lightweight interfacing.

  275. You did a great job with the shirt. I too sew on buttons with my sewing machine. That’s becouse I don’t like to do things by hand… I love the dress your daugher is wearing. I can’t beleve you wore it when you were a kid. It doesn’t look old fashion. I guess she is proud to wear something that did belong to you.

  276. Wonderful skirts! And brilliant with no pattern.There are loads of tutorials like this on the web (I know coz I must have looked at them all!) but yours is absolutely the clearest! LOVE your embroidery. Couldn’t possibly do this myself!

    I have just one question – Would you just cut your fabric piece as it comes off the roll or cut on the bias?

  277. YAY! I just made my 2 year old daughter the CUTEST little skirt using your tutorial, thank you! This is the first time i’ve sewed in 20 years, I’m so happy. I’m recovering from an accident and I need something to focus on thats not too taxing – this is perfect. I’m now eyeing my husbands old shirts and thinking I can convert them into rather nice skirts…. oh-oh…

  278. I would make this for my family and would probably use a neutral background {white, maybe} and shades of blue for the design.

    glazefamily3 AT gmail.com

  279. that’s a fab pattern, thanks for the chance! I’m wondering how it would look with a patterned background and solids for the starflowers… I think I’d make this for my brother and his wife

  280. This is a great looking pattern. I think it would make a great snuggle quilt to use on the couch or recliner. I don’t know about colors…what do you think of 30’s repos, that would be a happy quilt.

    just in case: ( m3reyna at gmail dot com)

  281. Oh that’s just too gorgeous! I’m terrified of doing curves, but this is so lovely I just bought it (and if I win, please just draw another name… I’m happy to pay it forward, so to speak).

    (clumsy.chord(at)gmail.com)

  282. I actually said out loud “wow isn’t that gorgeous”. Funny I see the previous commenter used the same word to describe your pattern. I would use lots of bright scrappy colors to make your pattern. Thanks for the opportunity.

  283. I’m new to quilting, but I’ve been sewing for over 45 years, so I think I can eventually handle this beautiful pattern. I’d use shades of blue and orange to make the quilt. The photo displaying the quilt looks a lot like a bridge near where I grew up in northern Minnesota.

  284. I love this pattern, I would probably use a mixture of colors. Am leaning towards brights since I want my rooms that my quilts are in to be brightened up! Thanks for this opportunity to win!

  285. I really like this quilt pattern. I would like to make this quilt for myself in different shades of red and white. Maybe even in polka dots. Thank you for being a part of Sew Mamma Sew giveaway and giving all of us a chance to win.

    Sandi Timmons
    sandit1@sbcglobal.net

  286. What a beautiful quilt and pattern. I have a real thing for aqua and low volume at the moment, so I’d probably try that 🙂 Maybe just with one of the big blocks to make a throw pillow.

    Many thanks for the chance!

  287. This is a beautiful pattern! I tend to go for aqua/gray/lime toned quilts, so if i made if for myself i would chose those colors. Color scheme would rely upon who i decided “needed” this quilt:) thanks for a chance!

  288. This is absolutely beautiful. I’d love to see it with fuschia and orange with linen background for my daughter’s room.

  289. Beautiful quilt pattern. I have been wanting to try something like this. i think I would use a grey fabric for the background!

  290. This pattern is so beautiful! I have some bright Global Bazaar that would look amazing in this pattern! Thanks for an amazing giveaway!

  291. I’m currently crushing on AGF Arizona by April Rhodes collection. I thin this would be lovely made with it. 🙂 coralbunnyandlo [at] gmail [dot] com

  292. That’s gorgeous. Really. I might follow your lead and use AMH. I don’t have much of her fabric, but I swoon every time I see it in a quilt.

  293. Okay, love the bridge shot. I’d make it for my oldest daughter. She loves anything even remotely close to stars. Very pretty pattern.

  294. I really like this pattern! I Think I would choose sunset colors. Maybe with a couple of blues and green tossed in so it’s a bit of a sunset at sea!

  295. Your quilt is just gorgeous. I love the photo on the bridge. I think I would use some of my Scrumptious collection. Thanks for the lovely giveaway.

  296. I’d love to make this in lovely icy colours, cold greys and blues, etc, with a soft grey linen-texture background, I think that would be fun.
    Good idea to give away a pdf pattern, thank you for the chance 🙂

  297. I think it would be beautiful in Red, Black and White for my sister. Australian Gum Blue Green tones with blossom tones for my mum (to go with her gum tree surrounded bedroom views. A Rainbow for my Daughter and maybe Grey & Yellow for me.

  298. Beautiful quilt. I would make this pattern up in blues and greens (for me) or brights, pinks, yellows, oranges, for my daughter. Thanks for the chance to win.

  299. I think I’d make it with the Meadow by Leah Duncan, I’d love the greens and oranges in this pattern, I think it’d look very lovely!

  300. I have been on the prowl for the perfect pattern for my daughter-in-law’s 50 shades of gray (her request) quilt and this one is in the top 10. I have pinned it for later…so, to answer your question I would use 50 shades!

  301. I would use purples, orange, grays, and a splash of yellow. I know it sounds odd but with the right fabrics, this pattern could be done in a lot of color ways.

  302. This is such a stunning pattern, I think I have a fabric line in mind for it already! Sadly, I’m too un-savvy with social media to follow you on either facebook or instagram 🙁

  303. I LOVE the pattern; it’s just beautiful!
    I think I would make a scrappy version, but primarily in reds, oranges, and yellows.

  304. Love this pattern! I would love to see it all in shot cottons, i’d like to think i’d give it to my mom, but i would probably keep it 😉 Thanks for the chance!

  305. So pretty! I’m in love with black/white/yellow quilts lately, and I think this would be neat with that color scheme 🙂

  306. What a stunning pattern. I would love to see this pattern made up in Raspberry, pale pink, teal, pale grey and possibly a touch of white if need be. This is my fav colour combo and despite clashing with our maroon feature wall in our bedroom (rental house unfortunately so I can’t change) but I would make this quilt for our bed.

  307. Oh my goodness! This is gorgeous!!! I think it demands bright colors and would look splendid with Alison Glass’s new collection! It’s called Field Day I think? Anyhow…beautiful!

  308. Wow!! Gorgeous!! I keep staring at it trying to come up with colors & keep picking new ones! It’s just so beautiful! Your color choice is right up my alley, I love oranges & magentas! And turquoise is becoming a new fav. I don’t know! I do absolutely love hot pink & orange together so maybe that combo. I’d definitely make this one for me! I still haven’t completed a project for me!! hah barknfrogs@yahoo.com

  309. I love this quilt pattern! I think I’d make it in grey, coral, turquoise and purple.

    sarahed @ hotmail dot com

  310. OH MY such a scary but gorgeous picture…… i’m saying to myself, i hope it’s fastened on the railings REALLY well……
    beautiful quilt!!!
    love your blog,
    xo
    eva

  311. Thank you so much for such a clear tutorial. I have just made my first skirt for my friend’s daughter who has just turned one. I used a navy cotton fabric with little strawberries on and it looks adorable. I tried it on my 9 month old son for size and it looks great! ha ha. 🙂

  312. I love this dress, the orange is perfect. I have this pattern and some orange polka dot fabric in my stash, I think I may have to sew tonight now. Thanks for the inspiration.

  313. Many thanks for this adorable and clear sewing pattern! I’m teaching a young one how to sew tomorrow morning and this’ll be a great project to work towards!!!

  314. Love this! Even though I don’t have kids it would work great for my hubby who never knows where to find our emergency supplies (including my epi-pen!) when we are camping at the lake!

  315. You have a great artist in yourself. You have made a really cute backpacks. Thank you for sharing a very valuable information to us. I will definitely to create for me as i’m not much creative I know it will not look as cool as you had created. I’ll sure update this kind of stuff in my collection soon so you can even earn money for your creativity.

  316. Thank you for this easy tutorial! With your help I managed to sew a cute skirt for my baby niece and I’m so happy that everything went just fine and I didn’t ruined the fabric (I have almost 0 experience in sewing).

  317. Such a pretty dress! Thanks for the tutorial on the first aid pouches, a really good idea. I’ m just off to make one for my daughter who spends lots of time at the park with her little one. Really glad to have found your blog.

  318. This is so cute! When my son was in elementary school, he was assigned to invent something, and he came up with a similar idea. You executed it very well!

  319. I love this! What a great idea. I play the violin too. Would love to make a cute one out of chevron fabric for my case!

  320. Lots of potential for different sized bags in October ! Good excuse to buy candy then even tho we are rural and get no trick-treaters. Thank you for a well written tut.

  321. Thank you for this pattern. I made 3 for my grandchildren out of cloth and batting…they are so cute.

  322. What a great way for a beginner to make something wearable!! I rarely sew anymore, but whipped up 2 of these in one afternoon. (Wish I could post a photo – so cute!!) Thanks for the detailed instructions and helpful photos – I plan to make more!

  323. I usually just use plain acrylic paint when I stencil on clothing. Is there a specific reason you use fabric paint? I want to do one with the cracked, aged look you did at the bottom and am wondering if acrylic will work just as well. I usually just one of those blotter sponges to paint with vs a brush. Will that work out the same?

    • I used fabric paint because the end result is a bit softer and that’s my preference — Acrylic can be used, it’s just stiffer – especially if you do a few layers. I would try it. I think the blotter sponges tend to leave less paint on your surface but they should work too.

  324. Great bag tutorial. I love the bags you have made! Thank you for sharing this free tutorial with us. I did link to your website, but wasn’t aware about the photos until later. If you have a problem with the photo, please let me know. I’ll remove it immediately.

  325. Awesome quilt! Just love the colors and the design!…and I can see all the hours of work that have gone into the pattern! Love modern quilts!!

  326. Hi! So when making this skirt, after you have determined your width, do you then cut the fabric in half and sew two rectangles together? For example, if waist size is 20″, total fabric width should be 40″. Do I cut two 20″ pieces and make two side seams?

    Thanks!

      • Thank you! Going to try and take a little off the width and turn it into a sling purse for my mom. Thanks for sharing your great tutorial!!!

    • It should be pretty much the same. If the handbag is made of leather or some other tough material you can’t pin through, you can secure your zipper with scotch tape or use little quilt binding clips (I like Clover Wonder clips) – or even office clips in a pinch. If you’re sewing the zipper on a machine, you may need a heavy duty needle and make sure your machine can handle sewing through the layers.

  327. I love your cushion and the fine line quilting too. A great use of scraps whilst playing with your new machine. The photos are beautifully composted too. Thanks, Sue

  328. Hi Vanessa! Great pillow! Great fabrics and color combinations! We would love to have you join us for our Pillow Swap Four Seasons found on flickr! How about it? Come check us out!

  329. A very beautiful pillow! I love the Fabrics and your quilting 🙂
    Liebe Grüße from Germany,
    Kathrin

  330. I DONT UNDERSTAND THE MEASUREMENTS.
    THE HANDLES ARE 216″X3.5″ AND EACH PIECE
    IS 28″X6.5″. EITHER I DONT SEE RIGHT OR THIS BAG IS HUGE OR SMALL,ALSO THE PINS DO LOOK
    LIKE BUTTONS. VERY CONFUSING.

    • The dimensions are for the mini bag.
      The piece sizes are next to the parenthesis. In parenthesis is the quantity of those pieces needed.

      (2) 8″ x 6.5″ front and back pieces
      (2) 8″ x 4.5″ side pieces
      (1) 4.25″ x 6.25″ bottom piece
      (2) 16″ x 3.5″ handles

  331. GREAT tutorial. I love all the little details and the pictures. I feel confident that I can make one of these pouches after your great instructions. THANKS !!!!

  332. Brilliant! I’ve just made one in 1.5hrs for my granddaughter, i haven’t sewn for years!! Thank you

  333. Hi I love this but don’t quite understand the elastic casing part. Why does it need to be folded down twice? Isn’t once enough? Thanks!

    • Folding it twice hides the raw edge so it won’t unravel. You can also finish the raw edge by serging it or using a zig zag stitch and then fold the casing once.

  334. I used the clear peel and stick laminate. YOu can get a huge roll of it at Walmart for under $4. Works very well. (like the contact shelf paper)

  335. These would make amazing pencil cases for any child at school. 😀 Love the re-cycling sweet wrappers idea.
    However, the turning part is confusing.

    • The turning instructions are the standard method for any lined pouch. If you’ve never made a lined pouch start with a fabric version to learn the basic construction and then try the vinyl pouch. If you don’t want to turn it, when you have your sides (and optional lining) sewn to the zipper, you can place the right sides of your pouch out (folded like your finished pouch should look) and sew around the outside of the pouch securing the raw edges with binding.

  336. I suggest prewashing fabrics first, & if
    Possible, have the warp of both pieces going in the same direction. Then when
    washed,napkins will more likely lie flat.

  337. I JUST MADE PIPING FOR MY QUILT. I,’VE READ A FEW WEBS. WITHOUT PIP. I COULD’T UNDERSTAND IT BUT WITHTHE PIPS. EASY AS REMOVING STAPLES. THANKS SO MUNCH B.C. CANADA

  338. Great idea for lunch boxes! Never would havery thought of it! Also to carry in car, for those who eat on the road. Great gift idea!

    • I don’t hide the thread on the bottom. It has a pulled look with the thread on the bottom, just like on the top, but no buttons.

  339. Thanks for the tip on the French seam! I haven’t sewn clothes in almost 10 years; I have been craft sewing, but my daughter starts kindergarten in a couple of weeks and I thought it would be fun to make her some one-of-a-kind play skirts to wear at school. I have two down, and I will probably whip out a few more today. Great easy tutorial that kept me from bothering with buying a pattern.

  340. Very pretty pillow. I also like your Rainbow Dreams pillow. Where can I download the pdf pattern for Rainbow Dreams pillow? Thank you

    • The pattern is coming. It got delayed. It should be out very soon. Please watch the blog/FB/twitter or IG for an announcement. Thanks so much!

      Vanessa

  341. Hi,
    I just found your article and I’m about to try my hand in sewing. I find it so easy with your tutorial! I so excited!

  342. This floor pouf is absolutely beautiful. I’ve never seen one like this before. It certainly would be useful, as well as a beautiful addition to any room!

  343. Just brought my 10 yo daughter her first sewing machine and used your tutorial to get her to sew her first skirt. She did great with only a little help from mum

  344. I found your site today and have made this skirt in just a couple hours and it turned out brilliantly! You have made it so easy and as my first ever attempt at making clothing (aside from pajama pants when I was in school 13 years ago 😉 I have the most adorable skirt for my 3 year old now that I am proud to have her show off! And I let her pick out the fabric which has owls and she is obsessed with it, I know she will love it! I even had the courage to add some sequin ribbon to the bottom hem! So cute! Thank you so much!

  345. I love this! It’s exactly what I’ve been looking for. What did you use for the curtain to open and close (to slide back and forth on)?

  346. Bookmarked this page when I was looking at sewing projects, my husband bought me a sewing machine for christmas to get me back into the groove of things, I was so excited when I found a duvet set I had bought last year to use for Material, so last night I went to making my first item since high school, and it came out great, so simple and she loves it, now wants me to make her Dolly one, so thank you for this easy way on how to make it, sure Ill be making loads more 🙂

  347. Such a lovely idea! My girls gonna love this pouch, and it’s a good recycling lesson for them. We are trying recently to recycle more at home an to minimize the rubbish we produce. Thank you for sharing this nice idea!

  348. Hi,
    I send out quilting tips weekly as a bonus for all of the people who are signed up for my newsletter and I would love to share this tutorial! Please let me know if it’s ok to use your tutorial and photos, I will credit it all back to you! thank you!

  349. I love these! As soon as I get my hands on the loaner swieng machine I’m hoping to get, this will be my first project! although i doubt it will come out nearly as nice as yours thanks for the idea, Sonya!

  350. This is SUCH a great idea! I am going to make these to give out as door prizes at a St. Patrick’s day square dance! Thank you!!!

  351. Well, I made this pouch and it was more difficult than I thought it would be. Ironing on the vinyl wasn’t a problem, turning it was. I think the photo where you say to leave the zipper open a little should say “Leave the zipper open as far as you can before sewing around the sides and leaving a LARGE opening for turning. Also, rounded corners would definitely be better, because you cannot get a sharp corner without ripping through the vinyled candy wrapper. Definitely use a longer stitch length, otherwise when turning, once again, the candy wrapper will rip out it’s seam.

  352. Love your pattern…Would make it in purple, yellow and green for my daughter…Thank you for the opportunity..

  353. Thanks for the instructions. Can’t wait to make some of these skirts as I have lots of fabric to use up.

  354. I fix and replace zippers for a cobbler. make sure you have worked zipper back to end before squeezing ends to make it work again, That may be obvious, but thought I’d mention it just in case. As far as fully replacing zipper, contact cement works great for positioning and holding it in place for sewing.

  355. Thank you for this, it’s a fantastic tutorial and I loved making the skirt (first skirt I have ever made!), however in mine the fabric around the elastic isn’t as raffled up! It’s literally straight… what am I doing wrong? I’m pretty sure the measurements are correct but I feel like I’m missing the trick! ! Thanks

    • The ruffling on the skirt comes from the extra fabric you have around the body which is why you have it 2x the waist measurement. If you want a fuller skirt, just increase the amount of fabric for the width.

    • I have been thinking about doing a tutorial for this in a couple of weeks. My kids will be out of school then and they’d love to learn it. Watch for it in about 3 weeks or so! Thanks!

  356. Both of their projects look great! I think my son would like to sew the Li’l Wrap as well. I’m hoping to teach my niece to sew and a kit would be nice for her too. 🙂

  357. These are so cute!! I passionately believe in teaching kids to sew! I teach local (honolulu, HI) sewing camps for kids and they’re so fun to teach because they don’t care that things aren’t perfect, they enjoy the process and are so proud of their work. These kits are great!

    • I agree! Even if it’s a hobby they don’t adopt, it is a useful life skill to know! OOOhhh! Sewing in Hawaii, so nice. Actually… anything in Hawaii… so nice. 🙂

  358. My quilt buddies got kicked out (led out) of this gallery for having a calm discussion with the owner that quilts worth hundreds of thousands of dollars are essentially nailed to the wall.

  359. This is exactly what I was looking for and it worked out great! Thank you so much for the really really helpful tutorial – perfect!

  360. Wow…amazing! I’m new to sewing and was looking for a simple skirt to start with…it’s amazing! Definitelt making one for myself this afternoon! Very well written and clear…..THANK YOU!

    • I drew the pattern on with chalk. It’s modeled after a variation on Seven Wonders (Sashiko)

  361. Your quilt is beautiful! I feel my biggest challenge would be selecting the fabrics to use. I always think I have a lot of variety in my stash, but I never seem to,have the right things! I end up,buying new fabrics in many cases. I would
    Be t tackle this quilt but am not sure about it being too challenging.

    • You should give it a try! I bet you could make something amazing with what’s in your stash!

  362. Wow! This is amazing. What a creative idea. I can only imagine how long it took you to do this. While I do enjoy hand work, I think my patience just might wear very, very thin before I could complete it. I think your choice for the binding is perfect. If you had chosen a gold, it would have drawn the eye away from the quilt. The smaller stars, however, do not draw away from the large star; they give the appearance of being in the sky. Great job! Glad I found you. I’m glad I didn’t have a challenge for something like that for my home state of West Virginia. There is very little straight line to the borders and it is wavy, wavy, wavy like the roads. lol Also, the state motto is “Montani semper liberi” – Mountaineers are always free. I don’t think this would be very adaptable to that state. Very great job for Minnesota.

  363. Brilliant idea, beautifully executed! Saw this on FB and had to come over for a closer look! Fabulous in every way!

  364. I love the stars that surround your state. Very unique ! Soon we will be seeing others making their states, (see what you started ! (LOL) Really lovely job on it

  365. Made several. When I turned bag out, the zipper ends did not turn out squarely, as pictured. How did you manage to get zip corners to turn out the way pictured? The bags of candy make tinier bags than I expected, not big enough for pencils. Also found the stitching is unforgiving – if you make a mistake you can’t rip out stitching that has perforated the seam. Any pointers? All said, this is a nice idea and thank you for sharing it!

  366. That is so cool! Tell Gwyn she did a wonderful job, both with the quilt and her skirt. My son made his first quilt when he was 10. It was such fun. He is now 31 and still uses that quilt. Congratulations and keep up the great job!

  367. What a sweet story! Tell Gwen congratulations from West Virginia!!! I love her quilt AND her skirt. She is very talented!

  368. Love love love this, huge Nancy Drew fan so I think I would make this bag too!!! However I also need a yoga bag and gym bag so I think I neeeeed this book!! Great job on your tote, it is awesome!!

  369. I would love to make a bag just like yours. Love the books fabric & the print fabric for making an appropriate, but extremely cute book bag. I’ve been a Nancy Drew fan for as long as I can remember. I would love to win this so I can make that adorable book bag! Thank you so much for your generous giveaway. God bless. Good luck everyone!!

  370. Great minds think alike. I have a FQ of the Nancy Drew also! Just had to have it since I’m sure I read every one of those books at least twice. I love using it as a pocket, but I want to quilt between each book, so I will probably use it for the other side of the tote without the pocket. I also love the way the handles were done to make them nice and sturdy. Love the idea of hacking several tote ideas and mixing them up to design your own. Genius! Thanks.

  371. I like making totes too and love all this inspiration! Perfect fabric for the library tote! Thanks for the giveaway.

  372. Your library tote
    is adorable with
    the Nancy Drew
    material and I
    love the inside
    print! Too fun.
    Carla from Utah

  373. I have been hording a gorgeous aqua print for THE perfect bag pattern….. and I even have enough for sunglass case and make up bag too!

  374. Love your tote…great fabric choices!!! I love making tote bags as well as zip bags. Thanks for the sweet giveaway.

  375. Thanks for sharing this tutorial. I just helped my 11 year old granddaughter make this. I think she is now hooked on sewing.

  376. Absolutely love your tote, the fabrics are perfect. I am in a fabric basket making mood at present. Making baskets for the nursery as we are due our first baby in december x

  377. I’ve been hoarding Nancy Drew Fabric too! I have the panel with the book covers. Now I know what I will use it for! Thanks for the chance to win!

  378. So cute and perfect. I saw some with jute cord where they hung from with little clothes pins with sockings hung.

  379. Such a clever library tote! I love to make bags with favorite fabrics because then I can carry them around and enjoy them often.

  380. Hi, I love your classic books. Once I had read all the Hardy Boys books in my school library, I started on the Nancy Drew books. I read a LOT of books from that library.

  381. Love your tote. I would love to be able to make a quality, good constructed tote. Thanks for the giveaway. grinnie1961 at gmail dot com

  382. Love your bag! And, oh how I loved the Nancy Drew series when I was young. And, still love a good mystery to this day.

  383. Your tote is amazing! I love when hoarded fabric turns out to be the perfect pick. I have some Tula Pink squirrel fabrics that I’m wanting to make a bag for traveling with. Sounds like this book would be perfect for me as I’ve only made the small zippered bags before.

    Thanks for a chance to win. Fingers crossed!

    usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

  384. Oops…just saw the misspellings…please forgive.

    Needed to make five Trick or treat bags fast! This is exactly what i was looking for!!! Will make some a little smaller and use my Silhouette Cameo and HTV for the appliqués. Thank you

    • Quilting Cotton and Linen fabrics (or a mix of them) work really well. Natural fibers absorb liquids/spills best. That’s what I like to use.

  385. Awesome Baby! I have been trying to make handkerchiefs for the longest and this just solved my problem thank you so much! I was having problems trying to figure out how to turn the corners so doing it from the inside out works for me thank you again!

  386. I think I am doing something wrong, the candy bag (lager size Skeetles tears at the zipper part, Do I need to use a heavy clear tape, I am using a a duck tape packing one, do I need to use a different needle like a ball point, or something else please let me know.

    • Clear tape is too tacky for this project and will gum up your needle making it difficult to sew. Iron on vinyl (which I used) is much different. I doesn’t gum up the needle.

  387. Thank you so much. Great tutorial! I am new to sewing and I just made my 5mo daughter this with a Christmas fabric in about an hour! I was so proud. Now to make myself a matching one! Thanks so much so excited going to make us a whole summer wardrobe!! Love love love! God bless you.

  388. If I use 100% cotton fabric like what you would quilt with, should I use a backing or double it back or should it be okay?

    • You can use quilting fabric alone for the skirt. If it’s a light color or transparent, you might need a liner.

  389. Hey! I’m going to give this skirt a go tomorrow! I was wondering about the length of elastic, is it the measurement of waist before or after doubling it for length of material? I’m guessing before I don’t want to waste elastic 🙂

    Thanks!

  390. I love this bag and I am trying the make it for a friend who asked me to make him a man purse. I plan to make it bigger (maybe 15×17) I am trying to figure out how you came up with the number for the side piece. I thought it would just be the total of the two sides and the bottom.

  391. I made this bag a bit bigger and lined with a contrasting pattern so it is reversible. I made it for a teen and he loves it thanks for the awesome tutorial.

  392. I cant wait to try this when i sew my outfits …. ive always tried with the ziper foot bot always get a bit funny at the corners…. i might even invest in a piping foot

  393. Oh, thank you thank you thank you!! I have managed to get myself into a few projects involving making some wreaths. After a few hideous results, I thought surely someone can help me: Here you are! I am so grateful for this very well-photographed lesson! You answered all my questions, either with your words or a photo. Well, except one question: How to wire a fake flower with multiple layers in one large bloom? I have approximately eleventy thousand poinsettias and I’m in big trouble! Thank you!

  394. I love this little hat with a hefty pom-pom setting up there begging to be waggled! I thought surely someone else wears hats indoors in winter but I’ve been too chicken to ask?! I learned this in Washington state and I have brought it to the East Coast. Love it!

  395. Ok. I think I’ve figured it out. And I have learned my lesson: I will not be flippant and over-confident when someone asks for volunteers to make some wreaths.
    I am saying that with every poinsettia I dissect then wire back together.
    I am really liking the current style of very few flowers set assymmetrically. Yes, I think I’ll do that from now on!

  396. Thanks for all the info! I’m a 25 y.o guy wanting to bust out my moms old sewing machine so I can re-do the piping of the seats on my car!

    =) this was the first tutorial to pop up and it’s great makes me feel like I can do this now!

    Thanks again!

  397. I would like to have the measurements for the larger bag as I have some oil cloth and this would be a good item to make. thanks for your web site. I like it very much

    • There is a link in the post to another blog post which mentions which book I used to make the larger tote.

  398. Lovely and clear tutorial for a very busy and tired mum of 20 months old toddlers! Little Emily will now have plenty of cute little skirts – maybe I will also find as easy tutorial as yours for Elias’ trousers. Double thank you! 🙂

  399. These are absolutely the cutest. I’ve just finished making one and will use it as one of my projects for the Kid’s Sewing Camp that I’m teaching this summer. The kids will love it.

  400. I made this today with Curious George cotton, and a daisy cotton trimmon bottom. Turned out perfect! Thanks so much.

  401. Hi. Have you used the same idea to make a lined skirt? If so, would you use the same amount of lining fabric as the main material and join them at the top with the elastic casing? Thanks 🙂

  402. Hi! I found your tutorial while looking for a starter skirt to sew. I have a question for you. Where did you get that adorable dark pink fawn fabric? It is so cute…… Thanks,
    Maria

  403. They’re looking very real Vanessa. Of course, you can’t beat the real deal but for 2.50$ – fantastic! I’ve used Rust oleum before to refurbish old cabinets so i know they’re quality. Thanks for sharing!

  404. I know this post is a number of years old, but I am using this to make my first item of clothing on my sewing machine. All going well I can make one for my 3 year old niece too 😀 Thank you for such easy instructions, I can’t wait to get started now!

  405. I’ve already made a few of these, they are coming out beautifully.My next one will be the stipe at the bottom. This is a great tutorial and yes, easy-peasy . . . thank you so very much!

  406. This skirt is so cute and easy!! I am just a beginner and I did not have any trouble at all reading the directions. The pictures are very clear and I had so much fun making these for my daughters! Thank you so much!!

  407. I have made 6 skirts so far, and quite a few more in the process. I love them!!
    Thank you for this tutorial.

  408. I just finished a pillowcase dress for my granddaughter and have enough fabric left to make a little skirt with a contrast border. Thanks so much for this easy project.

  409. So many thanks to you for this tutorial! I was looking for an easy skirt pattern to use to make skirts for a charity organization that serves girls in Africa. This pattern will certainly do the trick.

  410. I have never sewn an item of clothing in my life nor used a sewing machine – until today. I bought a simple machine at Walmart today at 1:30, brought it home and went through the Quick Start guide, began sewing using this tutorial at 2:30 (I had already measured my kid) and had a finished skirt at 4:00pm. You are amazing!!!! I am so excited!! Thank you for this. This is the start of something big for my family.

    • It doesn’t fray much. The stockings are stored for a large part of the year and then when displayed they aren’t handled much. There is a small amount of fraying over time, but it adds to the interest of the banner.

  411. What a precious video of your daughter at her own sewing machine. I can see how she is using her “butterfly” hands.

  412. What a great tutorial! I’m forever grateful! I was tasked to get a ” black skirt, no denim, which reaches past the knee while seated”…..for my 10 yr old daughter’s first orchestra appearance. Ultra conservative! No shop here in Ireland would sell you that. Maybe in a big country like the US it’s different. Nobody would put that kind of stuff on their poor child. So I went about making it myself. And despite my poor sewing skills it was a success! If I can do it anyone can! Many thanks.

  413. Thank you for the link to the free pattern for the Honey Cowl. So nice of you.
    Yours are so pretty. Hope mine come out just as nice.

  414. Hello, I have been trying to sew on piping for a while now! I’ve tried fabric glue, tape & marking with chalk. It’s very difficult bc ur sewing blind, so I’m playing hit & miss on all my projects. I’m getting better but, takes a lot of skill to do!

  415. Thank you for such a brilliant and simple tutorial. Have made two skirts for my daughter (one yesterday evening, one this afternoon) and both mum and daughter are very happy! There will be more!

  416. Dear Connor’s Mom,

    I’d like to make one of these and have a basic question. Are you starting with a 3″x 27″ piece that yields a smaller bag having a depth of 2″. Or are you starting with a wider piece that aims for a sewn dept for the bag of 3″.

    Regards,

    Kati

    • The final depth of the bag is 2″. You start with a 3″ wide piece and use two 1/2″ seam allowances on either side resulting in a 2″ bag depth.

  417. I got a 42 foot set but the foot that looks like your piping foot is labeled “Plastic Invisible Zipper Presser Foot”. Does that sound right or is it multi-functional/ do you use the same type of foot for both those things? Thanks for any help!

  418. I am teaching my 7 year old granddaughter to sew. She wants to make a quilt and has sewn four 5″squares together to make a 9 1/2″ square. She is so excited. I bought, (which I will be giving to her for Christmas), a Brother XM2701, not computerized, easy to learn for beginners.

    By the way, I made her quite a few skirts using your easy skirt tutorials.
    Thank you.

  419. Thank you for the great tutorial. They were offering this as a class here in Fremont, NE and I was unfortunately not available to take it. I successfully made a ‘bag’ out of a 10 x 15″ bags of fruity tootsy rolls. My daughter will love it!

  420. I’m actually making a cowl also, kit from Stitch&Story, which I bought at Home Goods. I’m loving making it, almost done. Will definitely look into Bubble & Squeak, looks nice, thanks for the info.