Wrist Wallet Tutorial

There has been a few occasions when my boys have had a few things they had to pay for at school on the same day, between lunch orders, donations and excursions to pay for, it’s very hard for them to keep track of everything and very easy for money to get lost and slip out of their pocket without noticing.

So this wrist wallet was the solution, however the tutorial I followed the first 6 times (yes 6 boo-boos!) wasn’t working for me.
Here is my new and Sew Very Simple version!

You Will Need:
Front top peice: 2"x 8.5"
Front bottom piece: 2.5"x 8.5"
Back piece: 3"x 8.5"
Inner piece: 3"x 8.5"
2x 4" lengths of 1" bias binding either matching or contrast like my example.
5" zip or use the folowing steps to shorten any length zip.

HOW TO

1) Measure the length of the zip you need from the zipper pull in closed position and pin to mark

2) Fold Bias Binding in half and place folded edge either end of the zip.
Sew a straight line on the edge of bias binding, remember to move the zipper pull out of the way when you are working on the side.

 

 

3) Snip off the extra length of zip from underneath the sewn on bias binding.

 

 

 

4) Fold the long edge of the top and bottom front pieces 1cm and then again 1cm. so the raw edge is tucked inside the fold.

 

 

 

5) Place folded edge either side of the zip and top stitch into place all the way to the edge including the bias binding.

You may need to wiggle the zipper pull out of the way as you get close to it in each direction.





6)  This part might get a little confusing as we pin all 3 layers together.
Place the inner layer down first, with top facing upwards
Next is the layer with the zip, also facing upwards
last layer is the back, place this facing towards the zip layer.

Pin and sew, leaving approx. 3cm gap at the bottom to turn in the right way.
After you have sewing don't forget to snip your corners to make a nicer turned corner.

 

7) Turn the right way and top stitch all the way around the edge and close up the gap.

 

It's a little hard to see on this colour wallet, but I have sewn a line straight down 3cm from both edges. It doesn't mater so much on my particular ones because of the snaps, but if you have used Velcro it will stop money hiding in the far corners.
And, well, it looks a little nicer with a few more top stitch details.

 

 

 

And you’re DONE!

It's that SIMPLE!

Baby Born Clothing Tutorial

Pillowcase Dress
Download printable pattern here

Short Pinafore Dress
Download printable pattern here

Long Pinafore Dress
Download printable pattern part 1 here
and part 2 here

HOW TO:

1) Cut front and back piece on fold.

2) Sew applique shape to front of dress using blanket stitch or zig zag.

As this item is not being washed as often as childrens clothing, it is up to you if you use heat and bond on the back of the shape.

3) Overlock or hem the bottom of the 2 yoke pieces.

4) With right sides together sew the yoke pieces to the dress pieces. From arm hole to arm hole.
Turn in the right way so the yoke will end up on the inside of the dress.



5) Fold band in half length ways and overlock or sew to dress pieces.



6) Fold band down. (hmm must fix this side ways photo)

7) With right sides together, sew or overlock down the sides of the dress

8) Turn right way.
Attach your prefered closure on the straps.

This could be button and button hole, sew on metal snaps, plastic press stud snaps or velcro.



And you're DONE!

It's that SIMPLE!

Cardi Refashion

Oppsy, the zipper broke during a cycle in the washing machine.

Not to worry. A cute Crochet lace trim and its now covered the broken zipper and makes a cute open cardi.

Christmas Fabric Scraps

I have HEAPS of scraps of fabric...

And while I find it easy to incorporate most of it in every day sewing, I was struggling with the Christmas scraps.

Here is the first I have made of many of the ideas I found...

It's intended for a tree decoration, but I will be using them as gift tags by ironing some hemming tape on the back to write the gift receivers name.

The tutorial and pattern I used can be found on Stumbles & Stitches

Scrappy- Strappy Monster aka SPOT

My youngest son has a very weird comforter.... the straps of the singlet I am wearing that day. this can get VERY annoying in public, and especially at night....

And giving him a spare singlet top isn’t the best look (though shouldn’t complain, I’m sure there is far worse clothing items he could want to cuddle... lol)

So it suddenly hit me yesterday, why not attach some straps to a soft toy... just had to decide which toy to make....thank you to Pinterest, I got inspiration from these little guys.

And here is our own Scrappy-Strappy-Monster

Teacher Appreciation Day

I really appreciate my children’s teacher; they go above and beyond what is required of them.

The whole school has me very impressed really.

So while I got a little ahead of myself, (I thought Teacher appreciation day was coming in July... but it's not until October) I am well organised now!

Each of the teachers the children chose (8 all up) will receive a sleep mask, coffee mug with cup cosy and an assortment of tea bags and coffee sachets.

It will also be teamed up with this poem:

A well-earned cuppa for you,

To say 'thanks for all that you do.
Making a difference teaching my child this year,
experiencing many giggles and even a tear.

I think it's time for a well-deserved rest,
So out of these beverages, please choose the best,
Put up your feet, have some fun,
Relax- It’s another day done!

Happy Teacher’s Appreciation Day!!!

and all wrapped up. They were a big hit!

Perfect Corners Tutorial

I have always snipped my corners diagonally across the tip like this, but still found it a little bulky to turn and top stitch over.

I have just stumbled upon snipping it like this:

It ends up looking like this:

And found it turns perfectly and sits lovely afterwards.

What are your tips for perfectly snipped and turned corners?

Thumbs Up Approval

Last year my youngest wore one of my monkey beanies that I have available in my store.
But this year I thought he might be getting a little too old to get away with being "cute".

After hunting for the right ear flap crochet pattern I found this one from Alli Crafts.

And I think the photos speak for themself and show just how much my son loves his new head wear!

Dress A Girl Around the World- Progress Update

It has been 6 months since I discovered Dress A Girl Around the World, and my desire to help this organisation has not faded.

Infact, in the last 6 months I have posted 6 parcels to Gigi- the organiser based in Sydney.
In total those parcels have contained 45 shorts and 112 dresses!

That is 157 children I have helped dress, and I could not be prouder!

Winter AND summer skirt!

When I saw this piece of fabric in the remnant bin at Spotlight, I knew it would be fantastic for a skirt!
So at $2 a metre I grabbed the piece that was there (and wouldn't have been much more then a metre, however I can't remember exactly now)

I wasn't sure WHAT type of skirt I wanted to make out of it.

But as soon as I found this tutorial on Sweet Verbana, I KNEW it was perfect, and got to work the next day!
(only difference with mine is I wouldn't just fold and sew, I had to cut and make sure both piece has the right side facing out as my fabric had a very clear front and back)

I think it is perfect over tights with boots for winter, and I am sure I will wear it in summer as it is a lovely weight fabric.


I am now on the look out for some more fabric to make this style skirt from.