Entry #20 from our Calling All Bloggers Challenge was sent to us by Andrea Miller of Andrea's Bow Cottage:

Flip Flops With Flair!

There are many women and girls out there who love their flip flops.  Do you wish you could wear them with that cute little summer dress, but they’re a bit too casual?  There are many ideas out there to dress up flip flops, but this style you can really dress up with different ribbon choices or make more casually cute. You choose.

With May Arts ribbon selection, there are endless possibilities.  Here is the step by step process to create your own flip flop flair, with additional instructions for a matching bracelet.

Supplies Needed:

• Flip Flops

• Bracelet

• Craft glue ( I prefer Api’s, The Ultimate) and hot glue gun

• Needle and thread

• Center piece for flower ( I used a scrapbooking brad)

• Ribbon of your choice

• Ruler

• Scissors

• Lighter to seal ribbon ends

• Alligator clips

To begin, I will teach you how to make the braid that we will glue on to your strap. First measure the length of the strap.  Mine measures 6.5 inches. You will make one braid for each strap rather than one long braid.  To get your length of ribbon multiply your strap length by 4 and add another 4 inches.  i.e. (6.5 x 4) + 4 = 30 inches.  Cut two pieces of ribbon 30 inches long to make your first braid.  Seal both ends of ribbon with your lighter.

You will now fold the end of one ribbon over the width of the other to make a loop.  I use my hot glue gun for making the ribbon braids only.  Using your glue gun, glue the end of the ribbon making the loop.  I am using ¼  ribbon, so my loop needs to be just big enough to slide the other ¼ inch ribbon through it

Do this to the end of your second ribbon. You now have two ribbons with two loops.  Slide one loop through the second loop making sure the glued side of both ribbons is facing down.

Take the opposite ribbon ( the one you slid the loop through) make a loop and push through the existing loop.

Now take the first ribbon and make loop pushing through this existing loop.

Keep alternating to desired length.

Measure your braid to your strap to get accurate length.

To end braid and glue, pull your last ribbon loop all the way through

Trim excess with enough left to fold over and glue to back of braid.

Seal the end of the ribbon with lighter and glue.  Fold second ribbon over top of the braid and trim with enough excess to fold underneath and glue.  Seal this end, and glue ribbon on top as you fold it over and also underneath.

This end of your braid with come to more of a point than the other end, that’s okay it should look like this.  Put craft glue all over strap a press braid onto strap with the pointed end of braid in the middle of strap.   If you have some alligator clips or something similar, clip over braid and strap to hold securely while you make the second braid for this flip flop.

Make second braid and glue to strap over laying the braids at the middle.  Remove your clips from the other strap and now place on this one.  We will now make your ribbon flower.

Ribbon Flower:

• Small flower I used 4 pieces of , ¼ inch, ribbon 5 inches long.

• Medium flower I used 4 pieces of, 3/8 inch, ribbon 7 inches long.

• Big flower I used 4 pieces of, 3/8 inch, ribbon 8 inches long.

Make sure to seal all ends with lighter to prevent fraying!

We will start with the center flower.  Thread your needle and knot it at the bottom.  Place the needle through the center of each ribbon leaving them all on the needle. Do not put the needle all the way through yet, if you do cut your knot off the thread and do it again.

Starting with the top ribbon on the needle, fold one side of ribbon over the needle turning the ribbon so that the opposite side of the ribbon is being place over the needle.  ( other wise it won’t loop like a flower)  Now take the top of the second ribbon, and fold over the needle again turning the ribbon so the opposite side of the ribbon is placed on the needle.  Now fold over the top part of ribbon 3 and 4.  At this point you should now be starting with the bottom half of the first ribbon on the needle.  Continue to fold over exactly as you have done the others, in order.  This will give you a nice flowing pattern of petals, with one half of each loop lying over the 1st half of the second loop and so on.

Now holding the center of your flower, pull the needle all the way through the ribbon.  Continue to go back and fourth through the center of the flower a few times to secure it, cut your thread and re-knot for the second flower.

Make your second and third flowers following the same instruction pattern as the center flower.  You now have all three flowers for one flip flop.  Sew all 3 flowers together through the centers.  You can reinforce with the craft glue if you want between the layers.

Glue the center of your choice in the middle of your flower, and glue your flower to the middle of your braids on the straps.

I added a bit of ribbon at the bottom of the flip flop as well.  I just put craft glue following the line at the bottom of the flip flop and pressed the ribbon on.  You can use a ruler and crayon to mark if needed.  Wipe off any excess glue with a damp cloth.

WOW!  Your first flip flop is complete.  Repeat for second flip flop.

Bracelet Instructions:

To make your matching bracelet, measure the length first.  Mine was 6 inches.  You will need two pieces of ribbon 28 inches long. ((6 X 4 +4) = 28 inches.  Make your braid just as you made them for your straps and glue to the bracelet. Place your alligator clips on to hold while you make your flower.

For the Bracelet flower I used:

• Small flower, 4 pieces of ¼ inch, ribbon 4 inches long.

• Medium flower, 4 pieces of 3/8 inch, ribbon 6 inches long.

I also lined the back of the bracelet with 5/8 inch black ribbon to give it a finished look and to secure ribbons.

Good luck and have fun.

Continue reading »

Entry #14 from our Calling All Bloggers challenge was sent to us by Kimberly Jones of Serendipity Vintage Studio:

Tattered Collage Lampshade

Tattered lampshades have a sculptural quality that is very appealing. I often find them languishing in dusty corners at antique stores, or cast aside in a thrift shop. I’ve been gathering lampshades for a long time, waiting for just the right inspiration. When I discovered several gorgeous stereoscope cards at an antique store, I knew I had the perfect project! The cards tell a story about a wedding, beginning with the proposal and ending with the kiss that seals the union. A tattered lampshade collage seemed the perfect way to display these lovely cards.

This pair of lampshades has very elegant trim in a creamy ivory hue. I simply removed the tattered fabric from the lampshade on the right using a craft knife and a pair of scissors to clean up any frayed edges.

I wanted to use materials that evoke the idea of bridal finery, so I chose sheer white rosettes and gorgeous white silk ribbon from May Arts. The lampshade for the collage is trimmed in ivory, so I decided to tea dye the rosettes to lend them a subtle vintage patina. The silk ribbon already had a perfect pearly sheen, so I chose not to dye it.

Here’s the process:

Brew

• Place three family size tea bags in a large bowl. (Use more for a darker color)

• Pour a kettle full of boiling water over the bags and brew for 10 minutes. Remove the bags.

Steep

• After the tea has cooled, add the sheer rosettes trim and submerge completely in the liquid. Let the rosettes steep for about 90 minutes. Remove from the bowl and gently squeeze to remove excess liquid.

• Do NOT rinse the rosettes as this will remove all the color!

Air Dry

• Allow the rosettes to air dry completely. (I hung mine outside on a very hot day, and they were dry in about an hour)

Tea Dyed Rosettes!

• Soft and dreamy rosettes perfect for a bridal collage!

I wrapped the roses around the bottom of the lampshade and secured with Fabri-Tac glue.

Bridal gowns are designed to look well from the back, so for an extra touch of glamour I used May Arts 1 ½ inch white silk ribbon to emulate the look of a corset style dress that laces up from the back.

I used the silk ribbon on 3 panels, and the tea dyed rosettes on 3 panels. The rosettes are tied on the lampshade at the top with a double knot and then stapled on the bottom.

A jumble of pearls, vintage costume jewelry, sparkling rhinestones, vintage stereoscope cards, and bits and pieces of lace are the elements I selected for my collage. Simply gather treasures from your own stash, or use this as an opportunity to wander through your favorite antique and thrift stores to find materials that inspire your own collage theme.

I used clip on earrings to secure the stereoscope cards, so I can remove them anytime I wish. In fact, all the collage elements are easily removed! The bracelet and necklaces are simply hung on the top of the shade, and even the ribbon can be taken off and used in another project. But I have a feeling I’ll keep this lovely tattered collage lampshade just as it is for a very long time!

 Created by Kimberly Jones

Serendipityvintagestudio.blogspot.com

serendipityvk@yahoo.com

Continue reading »

Entry #10 from our Calling All bloggers Challenge was sent to us by Holly Duffin from Holly Lynne Design:

Ribbon/Puff Pillow

Hello to you May Arts Bloggers.  My name is Holly Duffin and I am a fine artist living in Geneva, Illinois.  I am so excited to show you what I have made for the Challenge.

May Arts Ribbon so graciously supplied me with the most beautiful, soft ribbon the other day. So I had to make something unique and beautiful. I thought and thought about what I wanted to make...should I make pretty scarves, should I make a weaving, something expected....well, I decided to make a unique, one of a kind Ribbon/Puff pillow. So, here it is and the progression of my piece.

Sandwiching the luscious ribbon between Solvy Fabric.

Pinning, pinning, pinning.

Machine sewing and sewing and sewing.

Time to disintegrate the Solvy, dunking into warm water over and over again.

So cool, it looks like fabric now, but it's RIBBONS!

Laying out my new ribbon fabric to dry, it’s a hot day today, only took 30 minutes to dry.

Here it is, this is what I have to work with, so pretty!

I made up a little Art Pillow to wrap my new fabric onto.  I made little sewn Pillow Puff tubes and filled them with stuffing.

Detail of Pillow Puffs, so fun and easy to make.

Now its time to place my new Ribbon Fabric onto the pillow.

Covering the back of the pillow and hand sewing into place.

And, WahLa, my new Ribbon Art Pillow is complete.

I had a few friends come over today and they all said, “Where did you get that pillow, that is SO cool”.  Two orders coming right up. Tanner my adorable 10 year old thinks the new pillow is a football, “Catch Mom!” 

So there you have it, Easy as Pie little Art Pillow to brighten you or your friends day.  Thank you May Arts, you are the bomb, I couldn’t have made this cool pillow without your ribbons.

Continue reading »

Here is entry #4 from our Calling All Bloggers Challenge!  This one was sent to us by Lexi Bridges of Night Owl.  As always, please post your comments!  We want to know what you think!

Pillowcase Skirt

It seems everyone is getting thrifty these days and repurposing found objects to make them unique. The kitschy, vintage vibe is super popular. That's exactly what we are after today in this tutorial. I have seen several patterns for little girls dresses made out of pillowcases, but having two boys I don't have a need for them. Could I turn a ten cent vintage pillowcase and some beautiful May Arts ribbon into a skirt for me? One that I would actually wear? 

Yes!! And it's super easy. I know this because it only took about an hour and I don't even really sew. So honestly, if I can do it “sew” can you! 

The variety of May Arts ribbons and trims is astounding and although there are several different kinds that could be used for this project I chose one of my favorites: Grosgrain/Ivory Striped Ribbon, color RG76 for the sash and RG28 for the decorative rosette.

In addition to your ribbon you'll also need:

• elastic (size will be determined by ribbon width)

• pillow case

• doilies

• buttons 

When I brought my pillowcase home from the thrift shop one end unraveled in the wash. That is actually what gave me the idea for a skirt! So if your pillowcase is in perfect shape you'll need to rip the seam out of the short end.

Fold and press for the length you want and trim to 1/4 inch from the fold. Make sure right sides together.

Pin your RG76 ribbon to the top edge of the material and sew as close to the top and bottom of the ribbon edge as possible, creating a self made casing. Be sure and DO NOT sew the side of your skirt where the ribbon will be tied—that's where we'll put in the elastic.

NOTE: IF you wanted to make it a drawstring type skirt you totally could by sewing down an inch of material, leaving the ends open to run your ribbon through. I had thought about this but couldn't bear to hide all that pretty ribbon! 

Measure your waist to determine the length of elastic you'll need and use a safety pin to guide it into your ribbon casing. Make sure you hold it secure or by the time you get to the other side it will slip through!

Once your elastic is in sew it's ends together, but NOT to the material or the ribbon. And VIOLA! You've made a fashionable skirt from ribbon and a pillowcase. I loved the way the yellow striped ribbon looks here gathered. Now you could stop here and boy was that easy! But I say we embellish it a bit. :)

I found some old doilies for 25 cents and sewed them on. The yellow and white one had a pretty aqua edge that I cut off and used as a funky trim on the bottom of my skirt.              

To hide the raw edge of the doily I sewed on antique trim. Some new May Arts Crochet/Velvet Center trim would look beautiful here. 

It really looks like a skirt now!

Using the RG28 ribbon I created a fun little rosette. Run a needle through the center of the ribbon. This will give it a double ruffled edge when finished.

Cinch it up and sew to form a ruffled circle. 

Sew button in middle and attach to skirt. I loved the punch of orange (my favorite!) color here the ribbon added. I think it adds a bit of funk to the doilies.

 I added a few more vintage buttons and my skirt was complete:

Now I'm ready for a date night. Who am I kidding...more like a run to the grocery store! But when someone asks, “I love your skirt. Did you make it?” You can proudly say, “Why yes I did!” as you sashay through the frozen foods section. ;)  

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. Now go and snatch a few cheap pillowcases, grab your stash of May Arts ribbon and get granny chic! If you do make one, leave us a link. We would love to see! And of course, if you have any questions, please leave them in the comment section. 

Continue reading »

SHOE RE-DO

This shoe re-do project can be happily accomplished with any type of shoe - from patent leather to canvas.
I have chosen a child’s size 8 for this illustration.  Adjust amounts accordingly if your shoe to re-do is significantly larger or smaller.

MATERIALS:

• Shoes to decorate

• Ribbon: 2 one-yard pieces of 1 ½” wide; May Arts # DD03

• Buttons: 2 ½” shank buttons

• Bendable wire: 12”

• Small utility knife

• Tweezers

• Cloth tape measure

• Pencil

INSTRUCTIONS: 

• Using the tape measure and pencil, mark cutting lines around the shoes.

• The sets of 2 cuts that show ribbon woven to the outside are ½” apart and ½” long.

• The distance between these sets is ¾”.

• PLAN cutting diagram so that the beginning and end of the ribbon will come to the surface symmetrically at the toe of the shoe.  TRANSFER lines to shoes.

• With the tip of the cutting blade or a large needle, PUNCH a small hole at each end of each marked cutting line.  These holes will prevent over-cutting.

• With the blade, carefully CUT all pencil lines from hole to hole.

• CUT each yard of ribbon into two lengths  - 24” for weaving and bow’s tails    and 12” for bow’s loops.

• A wide ribbon was used for the project for a full effect.

• To weave the 1 ½” ribbon through ½” cuts, FOLD the entire 24” piece lengthwise into thirds.

• WEAVE the folded 24” piece of ribbon through the cuts all the way around the shoe’s edge.  Tweezers make this process easier by pushing the ribbon through the cuts using the blunt end and pulling the ribbon out the other side using the “tweezer” end.  Make sure that the woven ribbon lies flat, not twisted on inside or outside.

• After the weaving is accomplished, ADJUST ribbon tails to the same length and carefully UNFOLD to their original 1 ½” width.

• THREAD wire through shank of button.

• CROSS the two ribbon ends to form 2 equal loops.

• CENTER the remaining 12” ribbon piece onto the loops.

• SECURE the bow using the wire with the button centered in place.

• TWIST wire around bow until it feels secure.

• TRIM away extra wire and MANIPULATE the bow into a pleasing shape.

• CUT the tails’ ends at a 45 degree angle to prevent fraying.

You may have noticed that the two bows are not twins.  The bow on the Right of the photo was made according to the directions above, while the other one was made layering the elements in a different order.  The bow on the photo’s Left was made using the extended ribbon ends as the bow’s tails and the 12” piece was folded to create the two looms.

The finished bows are different but equal.

GATHERED HEADBAND

MATERIALS

• Ribbon: 2 yds May Arts #DD03 – 1 ½” wide

• Thread to match ribbon

• Purchased headband: approximately 1 ” wide

• Shank button:  approximately 1 ¼” wide

GATHERED HEADBAND INSTRUCTIONS - Stitch by hand or machine

• CUT ribbon into 2 pieces – 30”. 

• FOLD the 4 ribbon ends ½” to the wrong sides and FINGER PRESS folds.

• PIN the 2 pieces of ribbon, wrong sides together and stitch along both long sides, as close to the edges as possible.

• The resulting tube will be approximately twice the length of the headband. And the raw ends will be turned inside.  SLIP the headband into the tube.

• HAND STITCH the turned ends.

• Neatly FOLD 1 ½” of each tube end to the inside of the band.    Manipulate these two folded ends until they have upholstered the 1 ½” ends tightly onto the band.

• A generously gathered ribbon tube now covers the rest of the band.  ADJUST the gathers evenly.

• As is - the headband is ready for utility and accessory duty.  However, attaching a snappy rosette of the same ribbon will be worth the extra few minutes.

RIBBON ROSETTE INSTRUCTIONS - Stitch by hand or machine

• STITCH a line of gathering stitches ¼” from one long edge of the two 12” pieces of ribbon.

• With Right sides facing, STITCH the 2 ends together, taking care not to include the gathering thread.  FOLD this seam over to conceal raw edges.  STITCH.

• Carefully PULL the thread to gather the ribbon into a rosette.  Secure the thread with several back stitches.

• ADJUST the gathers.  CENTER the large button and stitch in place.

• SECURE the completed rosette about 4 – 4 ½” from one end of the band.

Blog Posted By:  Ellen Highsmith Silver

Continue reading »

On a hot July day many years ago, I noticed a 5 year old girl running and playing in a slip of a dress with ribbons hanging down her shoulders.  I instantly wanted that kind of a dress for my 7 month-old-daughter.  I could imagine my baby as a big girl, running and playing in the sun in that exact kind of dress!  The girl’s mother told me the dress was made from a vintage pillowcase and they were very easy to make. 

She explained that the hem of the dress was actually the open end of the pillowcase.  All I had to do was open the top seam, cut out armholes and stitch a casing for the ribbon.  At the time I didn’t have a sewing machine and the thought of sewing ANYTHING terrified me—plus, she sort of lost me at cut out the armholes.  Being a smart lady and really wanting that dress, I asked the mother if she would make one for me, and she did!  Whew!  Much easier than actually figuring out what casing meant!

.

.
Flash Forward 7 years.  I actually have a sewing machine.  I kind of know how to make a few things and am not terrified of messing up…SO, this week I pulled out that pillowcase dress and decided I was going to try and make one myself.  With a multitude of free patterns online, I learned where to cut and where to stitch. In my linen drawer I found 2 pillowcases, purchased over a decade ago, and went to work.  An hour later I had 2 dresses.   For my dresses, I embellished them with some vintage buttons and used WONDERFUL elastic trim from May Arts for the shoulder ties.

.

The pillowcase dress is a very simple project that can be made in about 30 minutes.  Possibilities with this basic idea are endless--various color combinations, fabrics, ribbons, buttons, etc.  Now that I know how easy this really is…I am going to be making these all summer long! 

Here is a flicker photo album with of tons of samples.

.

Blog Posted By: Leah Farrar-White

**Don't Forget!  This week's contest is Sneak Peek - Part II!**

Continue reading »

The face of May Arts Ribbon # WPP14 reminds me of a tiny chenille pillows on parade while the back features the same colors in a less dramatic fashion.  If used alone, the back could appear unfinished.  However, combining the ribbon’s rich front with its graphic back creates a very effective contrast.

MATERIALS

• A piece of foam- core or cardboard or corkboard at least 18” square

• 48 push pins or thumb tacks

• A 14” pillow form or the equivalent amount of poly-fil

• ½ yd fabric (I used ”Rouenniers” from the French General Collection by Moda)

• 11 yds. May Arts Ribbon # WPP14 (1 ½” wide)

• 2 yds May Arts Ribbon # 337-15-14 for the ruffle

• Basic sewing supplies

INSTRUCTIONS

• Iron fabric and cut out a 14” square and a 16” square

• On the face of the 16” piece, draw a pencil line 1” in from the edge along all 4 sides

• Tightly pin or tack this piece, FACE UP, onto the board

• Cut 24 pieces of ribbon # WPP14 - 14” long

• Pin the ends of 12 of the ribbon pieces, FACE UP, close together along one of the  drawn pencil lines.  See ILLUSTRATION below.

**They should fit tightly together, filling the 14” penciled area.**

• Repeat the same process alone either of the 2 pencil lines adjoining the first.  These 12 pieces will display the ribbon’s REVERSE side.

• Weave these 2 perpendicular sets of ribbons into a tightly woven 14” square.  Remove from board.

• Baste the ribbon ends along all 4 sides then stitch, ¼” from the edges.

• Trim the square to 14” X 14”.

• Gather the entire 2 yards of Ribbon # 337-15-14 about ¼” from the edge.  Use either side of this ribbon.  One shows more satin and the other more matte finish.

• Distribute the gathered ribbon equally among the 4 sides of the 14” woven square,  allowing extra gathered ribbon at the 4 corners so the ruffle will lie flat.

• Carefully pin, baste then stitch the ribbon ruffle along all 4 sides of the 14” woven square, using ¼” seam allowance.

• Place the second 14” square of fabric onto the woven square, right side facing the weaving.

• Pin together then stitch 3 sides of the square and 2” from each end of the 4th side, taking care not to catch any of the gathered ribbon into the seam. This should leave a 10” opening in the 4th side for turning right side out and inserting the pillow form.

• Turn the pillow cover right side out and check the gathered ribbon ruffle for any spots where it might have been caught in the seam.  Make repairs if necessary.

• Insert the pillow form and close the opening by folding the 2 raw edges under ¼” and stitching by hand or machine.

Blog Posted By: Ellen Highsmith Silver

Like This Pillow?  Check out our other Pillow tutorials:  Pleated Ribbon Pillow & Geometric Ribbon Applique!

Continue reading »

.
I noticed an inconvenient hole in the left cuff of my black cardigan just as I finished pleating the striped ribbon ruffle for a pillow project.  Bingo! I measured the sleeve’s opening , cut 2 pieces of the wide black and cream striped ribbon (MayArts #365-2-10) measuring the sleeve’s opening plus 2 extra inches.

I turned ½” under on the ends of both ribbons, using one piece to encircle and cover the damaged cuff and the other piece to look intentional on the right sleeve. I pinned then hand-stitched close to the ribbons edges and the over-laps, except for a small space through which to thread small round elastic cord. I overlapped the ends of the elastic to make it slightly smaller than the wrist.  This gives the new ribbon cuff an extra dimension as it stands slightly away from the sleeve. Finally, I closed the space used for threading the elastic. Since I happened to have some cream buttons on hand, I removed the sweater’s ordinary black buttons, stacked them on top of the cream ones and returned them to the front of the sweater. 

The moral of this story is that ribbons can often come to the rescue.  They are convenient, both edges are finished and they come in a multitude of styles and colors. Think of ribbons as curtain tab tops and tie backs, They can remedy the consequences of growth spurts in kids, prom dresses needing a bit of insurance and of course, deconstructing sweater sleeves.
.

.
Blog Posted By: Ellen Highsmith Silver
.

How do you organize your ribbon?  Check out our newest contest to win 1 Full Spool Of Ribbon!

Continue reading »

PLEATED RIBBON makes a tailored frame around a button-strewn pillow.
.

This stunning 2” striped ribbon – May Arts # 365-2-10 – needed to show its decorative potential.  A pleated pillow edging makes that happen.  Of course, the ribbon could also be gathered for a softer, less formal, look.

It is important to use a reversible ribbon for this project, as both sides are visible.

.

MATERIALS:

• 16” pillow form

• ½ yard fabric (fabric shown is from the French General collection by Moda)

• 6 yards 2” RIBBON  (May Arts #365-2-10)

• Basic sewing supplies

• Decorative buttons optional

.

.

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Iron fabric and cut into 2 pieces 16” square (this will result in a 15 ½” square pillow which will fit snugly without wrinkles or empty rabbit-ear corners).

• Place one fabric square, FACE UP, on a flat surface

• Pleat the entire ribbon by making light pencil marks as shown in Illustration #2.

• Crease ribbon straight across at *’s and fold to “O”, as shown in Illustration #3.

• Pin and repeat

. 

• To secure pleats, baste slightly less than ¼” from ribbon’s edge.

• Pin the basted, pleated ribbon along the entire edge of the first 16” fabric square – as shown in Illustration #4.

.

• Place the second 16” fabric square FACE DOWN onto the decorated square.

• Pin together, taking care not to catch any of the ribbon.

• Stitch 3 sides of the pillow using a ¼” seam allowance.

• Stitch 3” from each end of the 4th side, leaving a 10” opening.

• Turn right side out to make sure that all of the pleated ribbon is free from the stitching.

• Turn back to the inside and trim corners and make any necessary stitching repairs.

• Insert the 16” pillow form and close the opening by carefully folding the 2 raw edges under ¼” and stitching closed by hand or machine.

**Be sure to check out the first tutorial from our Throw Pillow Series:  Throw Pillow with Geometric Ribbon Appliqué!**

.

Blog Posted By: Ellen Highsmith Silver

Continue reading »

.
Last week I posted how to make a reversible table runner.  Keeping with the kitchen theme, today I am showing an apron and a pot holder with the same color scheme.   Back in June, in a post about embroidery on ribbon, I mentioned my really bad Jr. High Home Ec apron.  Wanting to give it another go and still being a sewing newbie, I called in an expert, my Mother-in-law.  Dorothy, a former Home Economics teacher (now known as Family and Consumer Sciences) whipped up this hand towel apron in no time at all.  If you are not a sewist, find a friend with a machine to help and give it a try!  Can’t hurt & might be fun.  With so many amazing fabrics out there needing some May Arts embellishing…you have to give it a go!
.

APRON

For the apron, Tipnut.com has about 152 free patterns on-line!   The apron shown is one adapted from a few of these towel apron patterns.
.

.

.

.

POT HOLDER

.

Materials:

• 8 strips of 2.5 x8” rectangle fabric scraps (I used the scraps from the table runner)

• Coordinating thread

• Jumbo Ric Rac in yellow 330-27.

• Scraps of Batting  (I doubled my regular or use heat-proof batting)

.

Directions:

• Sew 4 strips of fabric together, add Ric Rac and sew in place

• Repeat step one

• Create a quilt “sandwich”: one piece of fabric wrong side up, batting doubled over, other fabric right side up. Pin in place.

• Bind the edges together with quarter inch seam

• With grid fabric bind pot holder.  (A binding tutorial can be found at crazymomquilts.blogspot.com)

• Place near stove and order carry out!!!

.

.

.

.
Blog Posted By: Leah Farrar-White

Continue reading »