10.27.2012

Baby Boy Blanket {or i mustache you a question}



Waiting in way too long of a line to get my fabric cut at Joann's one day I saw this amazing mustache fabric. It's a super high quality flannel compared to the normal stuff you can get at Joann's. I knew I had to get it. I picked up some coordinating grey fabric figuring I would make an Easy Peasy Baby Blanket for some baby boy at some point in time.



I helped host a couples BBQ baby shower a couple of weeks ago. This little boy will be their second boy and is due two years to the day after their first. Since they have all the clothes and gear they need, the couple requested diapers for a shower gift. What a boring gift! 


I really love giving handmade baby shower gifts. They aren't always practical. I wanted to honor the parents request. But I knew I couldn't just give a pack of diapers. Enter the awesome mustache fabirc and a  fun baby blanket tutorial from Apostrophy Designs {Thanks Pinterest!}. 


I took the boring gift request and wrapped it in a little something homemade. Apparently the soon to be big brother is helping break the blanket in. I don't blame him! The mustache flannel was really cozy feeling.

I made some of the decoration and the favors for this shower. I'll share tutorials for those in the near-ish future. Let me tell you, the favors were yummy!

10.18.2012

Fabric Scrap Wreath Tutorial {or finally posting October's wreath}


This post was originally shared over at The Ribbon Retreat's Blog. That post is proof I had my October wreath done at an appropriate time of the month! 


This project is super easy and makes a big statement. It's a bit time consuming. However, its all repetitive actions that can be done while emptying your DVR once your kiddos go to bed.

Are you dying to have your very own scrap wreath? Do you want one for every holiday?

Here's what you'll need to get started:

5 Fat Quarters of fabric {I used Black Chevrons from Robert Kaufman, Black WebPurple Dot, and Medium Orange Chevron by Riley Blake, and Sunshine by Moda }
5 yards of two different ribbons {I used Spider Web and Black Glitter}
A wire floral wreath frame from your local craft store
Rotary cutter, ruler, and self healing mat {You could do this with scissors if you really wanted to but it would seriously increase your time investment.}


Start out by cutting your fabric into strips. I made my strips 1 inch wide by about 7 1/3 inches long. Why the random measurement? Because that was what cutting the fabric in 3rds got me.

To cut your fabric, start by folding it selvedge to selvedge {or hotdog style}. Then, use your quilting ruler and rotary cutter to cut one inch wide strips. Then, unfold each strip and cut it into three equal pieces. Hence, the about 7 1/3 inch measurement.

You'll also cut your ribbon into about 7 inch segments. Don't forget to to leave a length of ribbon intact for hanging. This length is going to be baseed on where you'll be hanging your wreath. Whatever the length you want for hanging, double it and keep this in reserve.


Now, its time to get tying. You'll attach your fabric to your wreath frame using what I call a slip knot. {Please, someone let me know what this gem is really called!} First, fold your fabric in half, right sides together.


Next, fold the strip around the wire frame.


Now, bring the tails of the fabric through the loop of the fabric.


Pull the ends out until there is a tight knot. This should leave you with the right side of your fabric up.


Starting from the outside and working my way in, I tied fabric/ribbon to the first, third, and fourth ring {X marks the spot!}. I tied as many ribbons as it took for the section to look full. This varied section to section. Then, I went back in and filled in the second ring if the area looked sparse. I ended up using about 80% of the fabric and all the ribbon I cut.

I attached my hanging ribbon to the back of the wreath frame using a slip knot. I tied a small knot at the top and then hung the wreath on my door using a wreath hanger.


I am a big fan of how great this wreath turned out. It's a lot of bang for your buck. It took me about 30 minutes to cut all those strips. I'm guessing it was about three hours of tying. I did it over several different settings so it didn't get old.

You could easily make these wreaths for any holiday or to match any decor. The possibilities are really endless!

The Ribbon Retreat provided me with the ribbon and fabric in exchange for my tutorial. Check out my disclosures page if you have any questions.




Come party with me!