Raggy Tutu Tutorial

I've had several people ask how to make the raggy tutus so here goes.   Hope it's clear enough for you to understand.  If not,  just post a comment and I'll see if I can explain better.  Keep in mind that these skirts are not meant to be thrown in a washer.   Because of the raw edges if it is machine washed it will fray.  Spot clean these skirts only.

I use a minimum of 4 different fabrics for the skirt,  the more the merrier.

The size of this skirt is 20", which is approximately a size 2.  You will need 31 strips of fabric and the same number of strips of tulle.  Some people don't use tulle but I think it makes for a fuller skirt.   You will also need at least 1 1/2 yards of 1.5" grossgrain ribbon.  You can adjust the strips of fabric and tulle based on the waste measurement.

First,  you will be cutting the fabric from salvage to salvage.  I also use a wavy rotary cutter.  First of all, cut the raw edge so that you have a straight even edge to start with.

Then cut strips 3 1/2" wide.   Each strip will eventually make 2 ties.  So, if you are using 4 different colors, you will need 4 full strips of each color.  4 time 4 = 16 then you will cut each strip in half so you will have 32 pieces.

Once you get all your strips cut then angle cut the salvage end and then cut the piece in half on an angle.  Cut the same number of tulle strips, approximately the same length as your fabric strips.

Once you get all your strips cut, iron them and you are ready to start tying.

Lay your first strip of fabric, right side down then lay a piece of tulle.  Fold the tulle in thirds,  then fold the fabric in thirds, then thirds again.   Doesn't have to be done exactly this way but this seems to have the cleanest finish.

The photo has the strip pinned,   I don't pin.  It's only to show you how it's folded. 

I find it easier to use ribbon for the waste band.  I know others use elastic, but I've had problems with it stretching.  With ribbon you have a nice finish and it's adjustable.

I use 1 1/2" grosgrain ribbon.

Tie the ribbon around something so that it's easier to work with.  

Start tying on the strips of ribbon alternating each fabric.

Make sure when you are tying to twist the ties so that the right side of the fabric is on top.

Tie all the pieces and you are done.  

Tie a cute bow........

......add an adorable shirt, and you have the perfect outfit.  

Wedding Favors

These were so easy to make.  I stitched them on my embroidery machine.  1 layer of burlap, stabilizer,  a layer of press and seal plastic, batting, top layer of burlap.   These were wedding favors that I handed out at a wedding shower.  I put them in sets of 4 and tied with twine.   They were a huge hit.

Jamies wedding is burlap and lace so one of the prizes I made for a game were a set of monogrammed little bags.   Got a set of 3 bags from Hobby Lobby.

Wedding Gifts

Getting ready for my Cousin's daughter's wedding.   Jana and I made some great gifts for the wedding party

There's a funny story behind this.   At Jana's wedding....several years ago.....2 of the bridesmaids dresses got mixed up and in the photos, one had a dress on that was too long and the other had one too short.    She was insistent that girls had names on their hangers so this didn't happen to her daughters bridesmaids.   I never would have thought of this, but it was a great idea.

Next were liquor flasks for the groomsmen.  I love how these turned out.

Last, but not least beer mugs with first initial and last name.   These beer mugs were a steel of a deal.  $1 at the Dollar Store.   Really nice and heavy.  Not sure why, but my flash made them look yellow.  

Fabric Strip Skirts

These are way too much fun to make.     Love the look.   I'm going to be taking pictures and document how to make these so keep coming back and I'll have the directions.

Cowboy Hat and Boots

My sister is quite the crafter too.   Her specialty, crocheted items.   Check out these adorable cowboy hat and boots.   Of course the model is pretty darn cute too.

Sesame Street Fonts

I get a lot of comments asking for the Sesame Street font that I colorized.   I love seeing what people do with the files.    Here's something so cute that Staci did.

How cute is this!

Check out her website at:  

 http://www.crinklebeancreative.com/

She's an event planner in the Atlanta area.    Super cute!

Here's a link to the Sesame Street colorized files.  

Click here to view this photo book larger

Shutterfly offers exclusive photobook layouts so you can make your book just the way you want.

Click here to view this photo book larger

Photo books are the perfect gift for any occasion.

TBones

What a perfect little outfit for the newest TBones fan.   Aren't these adorable and look at our adorable little model Suzanna.  Outfits are for sale at the TBones Stadium in their gift store 'The Meat Locker'

Koozies, koozies, and more koozies

Having so much fun making koozies.   These are done with 3 different colors of heat press vinyl.  

My new toy

I gotta say,  my guardian angel was looking out for me on this deal.   I went to visit my daughter, who is about 4 hours away.  I decided to check out Craigslist for her area since I wasn't having any luck in my area.

I came across the deal of the day.   Found a Babylock Ellegante that had only been used about 3 times.   You could tell by looking at it that it wasn't used and abused.   The husband and wife were so nice and she just didn't sew any more.   I think the computerized part of the machine was too much.   She ended up throwing in a sewing machine cabinet, tons of books, embroidery cards and 160 spools of thread.   I got the deal of the day.

......and here she is, my new baby.

Diaper Bags

I love this diaper bag pattern so much, I decided to make myself one too.  Even though I won't be using it as a diaper bag,  mine will be a "carry all" bag.    :)   It's amazing how much sewing you can get done during a snow storm.   I've been in the house for 4 days straight.   Kind of nice getting some projects done.

Simplicity Pattern 2713

Monogram design from 8 claws and a Paw, Monogram 3

Fabric for both bags from Joann's

Hoop Hats

How fun are these hats.   Could you see an entire gym with everyone rooting on their home team.

1st Birthday

Here's a cute set I made for my granddaughters 1st birthday.   The applique on the bib "Birthday Girl" is from Planet Applique.   I saw the tutu for the high chair on line and decided that I could wing it.   It was really pretty easy to make even without a pattern.

Here's a close up of the bib.   As you can see, the theme was lady bugs.

A Little Time to be Scrappy

I had a chance to do a little scrapbooking.  Yippee.  I'm so far behind.   Here's a special one I did.

Kit by Just So Scrappy.

Hooded Bath Towels

These towels have been a customer favorite.  They turn out so cute and the kids love them.   

Here's just a few examples - I have tons more designs but do you think I can find the pics (um no)....that's part of my getting organized plan for 2013

The towels have a hood and the kids think they are super heroes.