A New Adventure - Sewing Camp Bigger Projects

In the previous posts, A New Adventure - Sewing Camp and A New Adventure -Sewing Camp First Projects, I have shared about my sewing camp for kids.  I told you about some of the smaller projects the campers sewed both by hand and on the machine.  In this post I will describe our two larger projects.

Now if you have read other posts on my blog you will have come to the conclusion that I am a thrifty crafter.  This same thriftiness holds true in my seamstress projects as well.  Using old t-shirts the campers each made a pieced t-shirt scarf.

The tie dye t-shirts work great to add that fun element.

 The seams don't have to be perfect on this project.

A scarf ready for pinning the final long seam.

This was a great project for learning to sew short straight seams. The t-shirt knit is forgiving if the seams aren't perfectly straight.  It is also a great way to use old t-shirts you have outgrown and keep those memories alive.  The pattern and tutorial for the t-shirt scarf are on this post Repurposed T-shirt Scarf Tutorial.

The final project was a small monogram pillow.  The main body of the pillow is made from a canvas painters drop cloth.  The drop cloth canvas is a nice weight and a neutral color.  Be sure to wash and dry the drop cloth first to soften the canvas.  One other nice benefit to the drop cloth is the amount of fabric you get for a small price.  To see some other big projects made with drop cloths check out these posts.  Drop Cloth Table Runner and A Couch Refresh.

Our final project - a monogrammed pillow.

To see a tutorial on how we made the pillow go to my Instructable Beginner Sewing Project -  on Instructables.com.  

Sewing Camp 2015 was a success and I have already started working on the plans for 2016.  Since camp I have been told by several moms that their kids have been sewing on something each week.  They are excited and proud of the projects they are making.  Sharing your knowledge of a talent and passion you have is essential to keeping the craft alive in future generations.  I thoroughly enjoyed teaching these kids my passion for sewing and it brings joy to my heart to hear about the creative spark that has been ignited in their lives.  So be sure you are sharing your gifts and talents with the younger generations so you can share in the joy of igniting a new creative passion for years to come.

Danna

A Girl Can Never Have Enough Scarves

Okay, okay maybe I do have a scarf addiction.  But please do not try to do an intervention.  I wear all my scarves so I am not neglecting anyone of them.  This latest scarf is made using the same process as several of my other yarn scarves. Click New Scarves - Superbowl Fun to see the process and other variations.

I love the variegated look of this scarf.

 

This yarn I purchased at my local dollar store, so yes, the yarn was only $1.00 for the skein.  Using the same method as above I looped the yarn back and forth and then stitched down the center.  The scarf is super soft and very light weight.  The length of the scarf is slightly shorter than the ones above and not quite as full.  I like the fact that it drapes nicely and feels warm and cozy but still lightweight.  In Texas we can get up with temperatures below freezing and by the time I leave school it is 70 degrees.  So this scarf is perfect for the unpredictable weather.

 

It was only $1.00 for the skein.

The yarn has these loops about every 8 - 10 inches

 

It only takes about 30 to 45 minutes to make these scarves (word to the wise take the time to roll your yarn into a ball or it can take all day to make one.)  I am always on the look out for interesting yarn for this scarf pattern so, for a dollar I certainly could not pass up this skein.  I went to several other locations of the dollar store and was unable to find any more of this yarn  Reminder to self - if you are standing in the store and you have an idea that you think is a good one and the supplies are only a dollar - buy two!

 

Danna

Check out this link party at Chic on a Shoestring Decorating

 



Repurposed T-shirt scarf Tutorial

I love, love, love scarves.  I have a closet full of them and still want more.  The fact that you can dress up even the simplest blouse or t-shirt by just adding a scarf is remarkable to me.  So, I am always looking for new and different ways to make scarves. I came across this scarf a while back and decided to give it a try.  Upcycling Your Promotional Products

Here is my version of the t-shirt scarf

One of the main reasons I was intrigued by this scarf was the fact that since it was made from t-shirt material it can be worn even in the summer.  I know in Texas that seems crazy but some places I go the air conditioning works really well and I get cold even with the 110 degrees outside. 

I had the tie dyed t-shirts left over from making these scarves Scarf Crazy - Fun and Funky. The tie dyed fabric gives the scarf a little more depth and is just plain fun.  To add some extra detailing I appliqued several flowers in various locations on the scarf using raw edge applique.

The flower appliques work well to break up

the straight lines of the scarf.

Stacking the flowers is also a great way to use up the last scraps.

 

I have created a PDF pattern and tutorial for my sizing and variation of this type of scarf.  You can search and find hundreds of really cool ideas using the same theme. The PDF is here Repurposed T-Shirt Scarf. 

 

So if you love scarves and are looking for a way to use up (or preserve) those old t-shirts give this pattern a try.

 

Danna

 

Check out this linky party at Shabby Nest

New Scarves - Superbowl Fun!

Yesterday before I started cooking all of our Superbowl snacks I made a couple of new scarves.  They are made from looping yarn and stitching down the middle.

I made some other scarves from yarn in the past (see Christmas Countdown - 22 days left) but I liked the way this style draped.  I first saw this style on Sugar Bee Crafts.  She has a great tutorial with lots of pictures and even a video.  It was easy to follow her directions.

Here are my creations:

The blue one is short due to the fact that I only had about half a skein of yarn.

The lovely model is my daughter.  Smile!

The pink one is really long so I doubled it and then wrapped it around her neck.

I got a little carried away making loops.

 

I used about 2/3 of a full skein on the pink one.

Aren't these fun!

You make the loops and zig zag down the middle.

I used this variegated thread with fun bright colors on the pink scarf.

This is all of the blue yarn I had.  A little less than half a skein.

I used this variegated thread on the blue scarf. 

 

I love it when you come across something fun and functional.  These only took about and hour to make both scarves.  I might have to hunt the blue one down in my daughter's closet.  Her comment was this looks really good with my shirt mom.  Usually that is code for I think I will "borrow" this one.

 

Well I hope your team won the Superbowl but if not.  You can always spend your time crafting up something fun.

 

Danna