nap mat tutorial part 2

Step 8 - Time to attach pillowcase! With right sides together, pin top of mat to front, lower edge of pillowcase fabric, stitch in place.

Step 9 - Flip pillowcase fabric over and topstitch onto the back, top of mat.

Step 10 - Place the travel pillow inside pillowcase and fold up so you can start on the straps.

Step 11 - Cut straps 28" (I used nylon and singed the edges with a lighter to prevent fraying.), pin into place 5 " inside each edge. Figure out where you want your buttons/button holes to be and adjust strap accordingly before you sew it into place.

Step 12 - Mark where you want button hole to be and sew it. I used the "button hole steps 1-4" that are on my machine. Watch this if your machine does not have this option.

Step 13 - Figure out where you want them and sew on buttons.

Voila!!

All ready to go to school tomorrow!

nap mat tutorial part 1

Kindergarten Nap-Mat Tutorial

I realized about halfway into this project that I should be snapping pictures. So forgive the fact that the first few steps do not have pictures to go with them. The finished size of this nap mat is approximately 20 inches wide x 55.5 inches long. You are basically making a mini quilt and sewing on fabric for a pillow, plus straps.

Step 1 - Cut the fabric you want for your top fabric (here, the cookie fabric) about 20" x 44". I had to piece my fabric together, which actually worked out nicely later in the process when I was sewing the "fold lines". A happy accident.

Step 2 - Cut the quilt batting (I did double thickness) the same size and put the two together, smoothing out any wrinkles. The batting will "stick" to the fabric.

Step 3 - Cut the backing fabric (here, the black & white gingham) 22" x 46". Center the back fabric on the other side of the batting, basically making three layers (top, batting, backing). Turn in the edges of the backing fabric 1/2 " and then another 1/2", wrap around to front, covering the top fabric, pin, and sew.

Note: I know I do not miter the corners "correctly", in fact, true quilters who see this will probably want to stick me with pins for doing it this way, however, after pinning one side, when I turn the corner, I take the unfolded edge and the first turn is a 90 degree angle and then I fold it in again. That will not make sense until you get into the project and just play with the fabric a bit.

Step 4 - Cut out pillowcase fabric 22" x 23". If you only want one fabric layer, that is fine. I used two different fabrics here - the gingham and a brown swirly fabric. My brown swirly accent fabric was cut 17" x 23", the side edges were tucked under, centered, and sewn onto the main piece.

Step 5 - Turn left edge in 1/2" and another 1/2" and stitch. Do the same for the right edge. These edges will become the openings to slide your travel pillow in/out of.

Step 6 - Zig zag (or serge) top and bottom edges, then turn edge in 1/4" and stitch. These edges will be attached to the top of your mat (front and back) and will form the pillowcase. Set aside.

Step 7 - To sew "fold lines", measure up from the bottom approximately 10" and sew across the width of the mat. Fold on the line you made and sew another "fold line" just past where the bottom edge ends. Continue until you have only about 2 inches past all the folds.

definitions

fat quarter: the term given to a quarter of a yard of fabric that is cut as half of half a yard, to produce a "fatter" more square block of fabric rather than cutting the full width of fabric from the bolt. Dimensions are usually around 18" x 22" rather than 9" x 44"
definition from www.quiltblockofthemonthclub.com

The Fat Quarter Shop: a top-notch online business providing the customer with impeccable service and quality products. Communication is outstanding, shipping is fast, and I just wish you were here with me to delight in my first purchase. If you have never bought from them, I am convinced you won't be disappointed. Visit them at www.fatquartershop.com

Is that chocolate brown and blue not scrumptious together? This is a fat quarter bundle, which means there are a number of co-ordinating fabrics, in this set there are 11.

The line is called Aqua Spa by designer Rosemarie Lavin for Windham Fabrics.

click on square for link

a huge chunk out of the way

Back in the fall of last year I was commissioned to make this quilt of love. The young woman for whom I made it asked me earlier this year to make one for her sister. She gave me a ton of t-shirts and equally as many fat quarters. Also in the bag was a flannel shirt that I assume belonged to her father, a silky halter style top, an acrylic sweater, some boxers, and a Girl Scout sash, complete with many patches lovingly hand sewn onto it.

It took me several months just to figure out how to approach the project. I knew I couldn't use the acrylic sweater (but may still use the label from the neck of it) or the silky shirt, but came up with what I hope will be the best use of all the stuff.

Here is a sneak preview: t-shirts are framed.

Now I just have to get them placed on the quilt top and then design the strip on the back, which will contain some of their dad's plaid flannel shirt, some of their mother's tattered Irish wedding quilt remains, some of their mother's wedding dress, and part of those boxers!! (just the waistband I think - I think it must bear the name of the sister's favorite college) I will even try to work that Girl Scout sash in somehow, if I can. Though it is pretty neat on it's own.

Stay tuned!

easy handmade gift

If you are looking for an easy pattern to have on hand so that you can make quick gifts for your kids to give as birthday gifts, look no further.

This is the Easy As Pie wallet.

I did add a snap tab, which took longer to figure out and sew on the snaps, but the main part of the wallet takes less than one fat quarter and 'sews up' in about 10 minutes.

linen: not for everyone

There are some people who look really good in linen. My mom, for example looks great in linen. She has several linen items in her closet: pants, blouses, even a linen "hoodie". Also, I have a friend, Sue, who is sporting linen every time I see her. She looks cool, relaxed, comfortable... very approachable. My friend, who-must-not-be-named-lest-she-fall-down-the-stairs, just bought a beautiful linen shirt with lovely feminine ruffles. Liz Claiborne. Classic. I, on the other hand, have a pair of black linen pants that look like t-total dog poop.

TweedleDumesque.

I used to have a butter yellow linen dress. It was so comfy and I felt lovely in it, but I looked like the side of a barn. Perhaps I need to find a pattern and try to make something myself. Y'know, pants with a side zipper - and maybe half elastic waistband? Dunno. All I know is that I am a linen-wearer-wannabe, but I am on a mission.

putting people on pedistals

Y'know how you "know" someone on the internet. I have several blogs that I follow and feel like I have known these women for several years. Some of them I admire so much. They are so creative and inspiring and really make me think I can fly. (Ok so that might be going a bit too far. I have not jumped off any tall buildings.)

Ashley at Make It and Love It is one of those people I wish was one of my bestest friends who lived right next door. First of all, she is adorable. She look very much like one of my cousins who is also very inspiring, btw. Ashley makes things look sooo simple. I nearly think I can do some of the stuff she has on her blog. But then I get bombarded by being a mom of 5.

Wonder if some of my favorite bloggers know that I (and perhaps others?) am living vicariously through them?

Do you have any blogger faves?