Giraffe Shirt

I wanted to make a shirt for my little one to wear on his first trip to the zoo!  I purchased these stencils
 recently and found this cute giraffe.

  I knew it would be great for the front of his shirt and I wanted to put the writing on the back (like a concert shirt).  I will mention that I got these stencils for 8$ at a craft show.  They are intended for kids to use (and Im sure he will eventually) but right now I am finding them handy for all sorts of things... like homemade Birthday invitations.

 I have instructions for how to do the appliques in more detail on a previous post (click here), but here is the basic instruction:

1. Cut out (pre-washed) felt in squares larger than what the design is and adhere heat n' bond to the back.
2. Draw design on heat n' bond paper remembering that it will be turned the other way on the shirt.  Critical for letters and some designs, but not all.
3. Cut out design, iron on shirt,and sew.  If you are doing a layered design with lots of pieces like my giraffe, I suggest bonding the top pieces (i.e. spots on my project) to the base (giraffe) and sewing those first before ironing on to shirt. 

This is such a fun way to personalize a tshirt or onesie and felt is inexpensive and easy to work with!

Pool Bag

Sometimes you have an idea for a project just from the fabric itself.  This was the case with Peanut's pool bag.  I got the fabric in the scrap bin at JoAnn's for 3$.

I got the idea from where else...Pinterest of course...to make a barrel bag.  The website I used for directions is http://2littlehooligans.blogspot.com/2011/06/fat-quarter-friday-beach-comber-bag.html If you are going to make this I would suggest following that link and getting the idea, then coming back here.  The bag on the website had elastic inside for holding sunscreen which I didn't care to include.  I also decided I wanted to put my son's name on the bag.  I am starting to think I should quit putting his name on everything as I plan on having another little soon and might want to hand-down a few of these items... but I do love his name on everything.  I think I may name my next child "Lil" , smirk.

OK, so here is what I did:

Got the bowl I wanted to use to trace the circles for the base of bag. 

Figured out how much fabric I would need.  I did this by folding the fabric in two and then laying the bowl down and measuring the rest to see if it was the height I wanted (you can pick however tall you want your bag to be) and then wide enough (the circumference of the bowl plus 1 inch.)  I will remind you that Circumference = Pi (3.14) multiplied by Diameter.

 Then I cut out the pieces I would need: my 2 circles and 2 rectangles and ironed them.  Sometimes I am too lazy to do this step, but it's pretty hard to iron a round bag so I figured I should do it now.

Here are all 4 of my pieces and my pattern letters (cut out of notecards):

I folded one of the rectangles into fourths to see how I could fit the name on a "side", but ended up putting the letters diagonally.

Next you will need to put on any applique (such as a name) that you want. Make sure you have the fabric pattern right side up (top to bottom) if there is a picture.  i.e. you don't want your sharks upside down! The applique part is easy. You can see how to do this on my previous post:  click here

Then you will need to take the fabric piece that will be the outside of your bag (the one you appliqued on) and make a button-hole about an inch from the top.  I made mine down too far and don't like it. (the directions say two buttonholes, but one will work.)  I did two, but next time will just do one.

Gosh this big photo really makes it look awful...reminding myself that this is the purpose of the blog...quite humbling though.

So, the next step is to fold both rectangles right sides together and sew sides to make tubes.  Here is where I made my (first) mistake.  I just sewed them without measuring when in actuallity I shouldve measured in from edge 1/2 inch to account for the extra inch (circumference +1, remember?) Oh well....Then turn tubes right sides out and iron seams.  The next part is the trickiest part.  I hate pinning, but pin you must!  Turn tubes inside out again and pin bottoms (wrong side out) to them.  If you measured when you sewed your tubes it should work perfectly...if not, you will I(like me) have to pinch your fabric at the seam a little. 

You can see (at bottom left) where I had a gap.  I just folded it over and pinned and sewed and it was fine.  I would be a little more precise next time (gosh, I say that alot don't I?)  Smile.

Do this for both pieces and then put one bag inside the other with right sides facing.  Now you will sew around the top, leaving a hole (I'd say about 3 in.) open for turning.

Iron seams flat again and push the lining into the outer shell.  You will now sew around the top of the bag above your button hole (this is where you can fold in your turning hole and sew it up).  You will then want to sew below button hole.  Then just get a rope or ribbon or make a tie from left over fabric.  Attach a safety pin to the end to help you thread it through the bag.  All done!  Here are a few things I learned:

As I mentioned... I would make sure that I measured the 1/2 in. before sewing my "tubes"

I would not put applique or button hole(s) close to the seam.  I would also sew the top seams closer to the button holes.

It turned out okay and I learned alot.  This will not be my last drawstring bag.  I have one a friend (who really sews) made for my son's blocks and it's adorable!  I will keep on keepin' on.  Smile and sew long.