Baby Leg Warmers

Here are the instructions I use to make the baby leg warmers from a pair of woman's knee socks.

Basically, cut them off just below the start of the curve (one inch below) then turn the socks inside out.


Fold the end so it is on the inside of the sock (side that is facing you now) starting at the fold lay your elastic down and "mark" where the elastic ends.

This is where you will sew your straight line. Sew a straight stitch all the way around (be sure not to sew the socks together as you are working in a circle) leaving a 1/2 inch area open and un-sewn.

Instructions will continue in the next post.

Placemat Purse - part 2

7. To stabilize the bag a little more I make a base - this also covers the bottom seams. Use a heavy interfacing like ultrafirm. Trace the bottom of the bag & cut out the piece. 8. Test fit in the bottom of the bag and trim if necessary.
9. Cut a coordinating fabric big enough to wrap around the interfacing.
10. Fold the fabric around the interfacing. I fold so that there are on raw edges. I fold the sides in first then the top and bottom. Sew the side seams using a zigzag stitch. Place in the bottom of the bag.
You are finished!
You can get as creative as you want. You could use beads for straps, bamboo rings, premade handles, ribbons, etc... I used a ribbon closure on the one in the photo above - you can use ribbon, Velcro, buttons, snaps, magnetic snap, etc...

Enjoy!

T-Shirt Dress

My daughter has been living this these "princess" dresses lately. I have made so many lately and have been asked how to make them - so I thought I would share.

Materials:
T-shirt or onesie
1/2 - 1 yard of fabric for the skirt

First decide where you would like the skirt to start (natural waist or empire waist). Then cut off the appropriate amount off the bottom of the t-shirt. You can also do this with a onesie - just don't cut off the bottom.
Next, decide how long you would like the skirt. Also, depending on your child, how full you would like the skirt. My daughter insists on having a very spiny skirt.
For the case of the very spiny skirt cut 2 lengths of the fabric. Sew a seam on one side. Then make a tight ruffle from the fabric making it the same length as the bottom of the shirt.
Otherwise you can cut 1 length of the fabric. Gather or ruffle the fabric to be the length as the bottom of the shirt.

Next with right sides together and the bottom of the skirt toward the top of the shirt, pin the skirt to the shirt. Now, sew a seam connecting the skirt to the shirt. I usually use a stretch stitch. Then I go back and overlock to prevent fraying.

Finish the bottom hem of the dress and then you are done.
You can add an applique or embellish the top of the dress if you so desire. I would love to see photos if you make a dress.