Fall ruffle dress tutorial

Hi there! I decided to take a break from Randi's Room posts and give you a tutorial. Before I start I have to put a disclaimer out there. I am NOT a professional! I don't know all the terms for sewing or all the correct techniques to use. I just experiment. I'm writing this tutorial with amateurs like me in mind. That being said, all you professionals out there that would like to give constructive criticism, go right ahead!



I started this dress originally wanting it to be ruffles from top to bottom, but ran out of material. I had two cotton baby doll style tank tops that coordinated with each other and just knew they'd be perfect for this little project.



Start by cutting off the tops of the tank off so only the dress part remains.



Then cut 2 or 2.5 inch strips all the way down. I used the the first strip as a guide for the rest.




I grabbed an a-line dress that fits my daughters now, turned it inside out and used it as pattern for the skirt part of the dress. Then using neutral toned stretchy material (preferably knit) I cut 3 slightly shorter(1.75" or 2.25") strips for my 4 patterned ruffles I planned for each dress. They need to be just a bit shorter so they don't show between each ruffle. I cut these using the a-line pattern of the pink dress pictured.



Your next step, if you have used two different materials, is to alternate the two patterns from shortest in length to longest. Notice that the two different shirts are different in lengths. Don't worry it won't be noticeable in the final product.



Then on a surger or sewing machine you'll need to finish the bottom edge of each top(patterned ruffle piece) strip. I did this with my cheap sewing machine with a zigzag stich, shortened in stitch length, to what I thought looked good. This is probably the most time consuming part of the project.



Now you have to gather each ruffle. Use a gathering stitch and make sure your patterned ruffle is not shorter then your neutral strip.



Start with your shortest nuetral fabric and shortest patterned ruffle. Sew the right side of the neutral fabric to the wrong side of the patterned ruffle. For those of who are not familiar with sewing terms, the "right" side is the one facing you when the clothing piece is worn. If you haven't already figured out, the "wrong" side is what would face you if you were to turn the piece inside out. Something I didn't do here that would've been better for this dress is to sew the two pieces together with a zigzag stitch so that there is give throughout the whole dress. Next time.



You'll notice when you're done sewing the ruffles to the neutral strips that you have an extra patterned ruffle. We'll deal with that in the next step. Once again you need to arrange the ruffles from the shortest to the longest so we don't mix them up in this step. Line the bottom right side edge of your shortest ruffle to the top right edge of the next shortest ruffle. Pin them together making sure your side seams are lined up. Now you can sew these pieces together using a zigzag stitch (again something I should've done that I didn't).




Now you have three ruffles sewn together top side and underside looking something like pictures above. Now just sew the top right edge of remaining ruffle to the bottom right edge of the dress, just like the last step.

For the top half of the dress all I did was take a cheap thermal top I bought at Walmart and with right sides together, sewed the dress to the shirt. This time I did do a zigzag stitch which makes all the difference.




To finish my masterpiece off(don't make fun, I told you I was an amateur), I twisted some of the scrap fabric up into flowers and just tacked them on to the collar area. So not professional, but it works for these girls.



So there you have it. A fairly simple dress that most anyone can make. Please let me know what you think and if you try it out send me your pics!

Rag rug for Randi

Yep, get used to posts with many weeks in between. I've come to the realization that I probably won't be good at this for awhile to come.

On to the post.

Another item for Randi's room makeover! I love the shabby chic look and if you were to buy one of these at, oh say Pottery Barn, it could cost you a good $200-$600 buckeroos! There a couple different styles, but I chose to crochet my rug since I already know how to crochet. For those of you who are interested in learning, there are several great free sites out there. A great one that has just about everything in step by step video tutorials is this one. The site I used to know how to make my rug is this one. Now for pictures!













So just with some old sheets of choice and a crochet hook you can make your own rug! Seriously it's that easy.

Another one for Randi's room

So I kinda have a bird theme going on in Randi's room. I came up with this project as a result of "things" I had. Here's how to do it.

You need:

-Canvas

-Fabric

-Mod Podge

-Brush

-Contact paper or vinyl

-exacto knife

-craft paint

I had these 6x6 canvas's as well as some bright colored fat quarters I bought at walmart. Just slather on the mod podge on all surfaces and place the fabric so that any patterns are straight. Then put a whole bunch more mod podge on top of the fabric. I put quite a bit on especially on the folded areas. To finish I just fold the edges like you would a present and then set my frame on a plastic cup to dry.

Like I said before we were going for a bird theme. One of THE biggest reasons I love the internet so much is my google search bar. I use it for everything. Just type in what you're looking for, add silhouette on the end of it and search in images. I used several key words like bird, swallow, birdcage, nest and came up with a lot of great options.

Next just print your image. tape your image on the top side of your contact or vinyl paper and cut out image with exacto knife. This is probably the most tedious part. Just remember that you'll be using the out line image and not the actual cutout. Unless you want a reverse applique look. Also keep in mind that any pieces inside the silhouette that need to be kept. For example, on mine I have a tiny space between the feet and branch I had to remember.

Now peel the paper off the sticky part and place on top of your dried canvas. Again, remember the small pieces inside the silhouette. Press firmly to insure that no paint seeps under the edges. I think that if I were to do this again I'd try vinyl instead of contact paper. It's a bit stickier. If you do use contact paper though, go along the all the edges with your fingers and press firmly. My others didn't seep under the edge as much as this one did because I made sure to press the edges down well.

This is the easy part. Just paint. I put a couple layers on so that no fabric would show through.

When your paint has dried you can take the contact paper off, touch up the edges and enjoy your work!

Can you believe it?!

I'm finally posting something! I have done quite a few craft projects, considering how busy I've been. I've just been too busy to post them. So I'll just jump in with the most recent accomplishment. Last year I moved my eldest daughter into her own room. It's a pretty small room and started out quite drab. I wanted to really make her room special for her since she has to share soooo much with her younger sisters.

I found this desk among the many treasures my mother in law has and asked if I could have it. It was painted a dark tan color and as I started sanding found 5 other colors it had been painted in the past. Beautiful colors that I wanted to come through and be shown in the finished product.


I decided to do an eye poping red and the hardware was so cute with the antiqued edges I decided to keep them.


My husband had the great idea to have her name on the top somewhere so before we painted I searched for the perfect font online and used vinyl to do a reverse stencil.


I absolutely love how it turned out. How about you?

I'm not so good at multi-tasking.

But I'm not giving up just yet. I have been working on projects, but haven't had the time to post about them (It's kinda hard to post about a half finished project :P).

In the the mean time, I'd like to introduce you all to a craft hero of mine. Disney is her name, ruffles are her game (wow that was cheesy). She is so talented and I absolutely loooove her style. Right now she's having a giveaway that is so very generous. Check it out!

Tis the season

Good news! The economy is bad.

Wait... how is this good you might ask?

Because it gives me more reason to be crafty silly. Sooooo, after tuesday the 8th I will officially be done with fall semester and will be crakin' down on a whole ton of goodies to show you.

My craft room is over flowing and I've got inspiration all around. Let's finally get this show on the road!

I Know what I want to do!

So I'm very sad not to be selling bows anymore, but very happy to be doing things that I love still. I've decide to put two of my all time loves together here, crafting and blogging. And I don't even have to change my blog name. : ) Here's some crafts I've worked on this month. VEry easy and time efficient, and cheap too. These factors are important in mine, and I'm sure in most of your schedules as well.


This first one is something I see as being a deco that can maybe be used for more than one holiday. Just go out and find you some candlesticks at your local thrift, DI, or goodwill store, at your parents or maybe even in your own storage. Spray paint them your choice of paint. I went for a silver metallic paint. I would've liked them to be a bit more dingy looking but I'll take it. I found the holey cheese cloth at the dollar store and the candle sticks as well. You could even have some bleeding candles if you wanted to scare it up a bit more.

I got the idea for this second one from Martha Stewart. Gotta love Martha. All you do is get some styrofoam balls. wrap them with yarn and put a stick on top for the stem. Be sure to flatten top and bottom ends of the ball by pressing it down on a flat surface to keep them from rolling. I did this step after I wrapped and before I stuck the stem in. If you'd like to check Martha's out go here. But don't compare mine to hers, I know they are way cuter. I was just using what I had.

Ok, I know I haven't done anything with my blog or my store in ages. But the reason being is that I'm back in school and I've decided that my dreams of owning a bow business are just not working out like I wanted. I am still trying to figure something else I can do to this blog that you all can still enjoy. In the mean time, enter in this giveaway for free Ugg boots! Here is the link to win the boots.
http://www.whoogaboots.co.uk/ukugg.asp?p=freeuggboots&xref=heavenlyhomemades.blogspot.com

You're invited!

Here is a great event for girls and women of all ages. There are tons of giveaways, a fashion show, good food, and of course me and my hair accessories. The best part is 100% of the proceeds go to "Women Without Borders" foundation, which a great cause. Please spread the word and come this Saturday. Click on the poster to enlarge.

This Stinks!

First of all, I apologize to my followers for slacking off. I will get a giveaway up and running, I promise!

I feel the utmost importance of imforming as many mothers and lovers of handcrafted toys, accessories, and clothing of this ridiculous new law that will be in effect as of Febuary 10th. It is called the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, or the CPSIA.
"CPSIA redefines the legal meaning of “children’s products,” “child care articles,” and “toys” to cover virtually all products designed for use by children 12 years old and younger, as well as all
products designed to “facilitate sleep or the feeding of children age 3 and younger, or to help such children with sucking or teething.” It also requires that industry standard ASTM F963-07, also known as the “Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety,” will become the formally-adopted CPSC product safety rule on February 10, 2009."

This means that I, along with every other handcrafter of "children's products" will have to spend a whole bunch more money to get my product tested for lead. I'm all about safety, as a mother of 3, but I buy my supplies from bigger companies who have already tested their product. This WILL put me out of business and many others too.

Not only will this law put hundreds of small business owners out of work, but this will affect your wallets too. Don't be suprised when the price for all children's items go up to supplement the extra money needed for the extra testing. No more garage sales, craiglist, ebay, or thrift stores. It's going to make all these illegal!

This law is completely unfair to the companies of the US. All our lead problems have come from China, but we have to pay for their mistakes?! Please contact your congress man and urge him to ammend this law.

Here is the link to the actual lesiglation here
Here is how you can contact your congress man and your Senator.

If I don't make much sense to you, here is a blog with more definition.

Here are some petitions to sign aswell.
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/economicimpactsofCPSIA/?e
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/handmadetoys/

All you have to do is click on these links to make your opinion count. PLEASE, please do so!

Get 10% off only Today!!!

For anyone who needs christmas gifts for their little princess, check out my huge selection at www.heavenlyhomemades.etsy.com. Today only when you use the code party10 you will recieve 10% off your entire purchase. Hurry to get some good deals on adorable hair accessories.

Cyber Monday Sale!!!

Hi all! Today everything in shop is buy one get one half off! Hurry and get what you want bafore they all run out. www.heavenlyhomemades.etsy.com

Bow Party At My House

I would love for anybody in the area to please join my bow party on Thursday the 4th of December. Bring your Christmas outfits to get a perfectly matched bow. I will have clearanced items and everyone who orders will get 10% off their entire purchase!
For more details please give me your email and I will send you an invite. Anyone who would like to take advantage of the 10% discount is welcome to place an order at my online store on the 4th and be sure to include the code 10party for your discount. Custom Orders qualify for discount as well, but only if you order on the fourth!

Keep Watching!

I just wanted to let my people know that I'm working on a Christmas giveaway right now. So keep your eyes peeled. It's gonna be good!

Also, if you live close by please contact me to find out how you can come to my first bow party and get 10% off your entire purchase! Just send me an email emilydalton02@yahoo.com, or leave me your email in the comment box.

Bow Party's!

I am so excited to introduce to all my wonderful clients a wonderful new way to earn free bows! If you live in Utah within the Tooele, Salt Lake, or Utah counties, I would love to come to your home! Invite all your friends and the more sales you get, the more free bows you earn! What's even better is you can match any outfit you have to any bow you want. If you don't live close by don't worry, I'm offering online bow party's too!

The incentives:
Just for hosting a party, you will recieve your choice of hair accessory at the value of $8.00, no matter how much or little you sell!

$50.00-$75.00 earns 5% of sales which equals from $2.50-$3.75(plus the automatic $8.00)

$75.00-$150.00 earns 10% of sales which equals from $7.50-$15.00(plus the automatic $8.00)

$150.00+ earns 15% of sales which equals $22.50+(plus the automatic $8.00)


It's not hard to get to the first incentive. My average sale per person is $20.00 which means you only need to get 5 of your guests to order for you to be able to earn $13.00 to $15.50 of free product! To schedule your party send me an email at emilydalton02@yahoo.com today!

I'm Back

I know I was missing for a little while. I registered a booth in my home town at an adorable craft fair called the Pumpkin Walk. I did well and got to meet several ladies that I hope to hear from again. Here are a few pics from the show.

Calling all Scrapbooker's

A friend of mine has some really great prices in her etsy shop for some scrapbooking supplies. Take a look! Here's what she has to say;

Ok everyone... I have a BUNCH of scrapbook stuff that I am selling on Etsy and I HAVE to get rid of it!

I have SO much stuff so if you want to order something... PLEASE leave a comment at check out and I will send you a free paper pack with every order over $10! Seriously the prices are like giving the paper away!

If you want to do a little advertising for me and put a post on your blog and a link on your sidebar then I will give you a free pack (18 papers) with the coordinating stickers!

Thanks SO SO much!

www.kinseygirlcreations.etsy.com

Halloween Special!

Right now, when you purchase anything with a value of $8.00 or more in my Etsy shop, you get to pick one of these adorable clippies for FREE! These are handcrafted by me, with great care, as always, to every little detail. They are my own creation and they are regularly priced at $2.25 each! Hurry and get your halloween goodies! Remember to tell me which clippie you would like in the sellers notes during checkout.

Something for the Big Girls!

I've had a few requests for the headbands for adults. Well here are my first results. Please tell me what you think! And I apologize ahead of time, I had really hoped to get around it, but I am the cheapest model I can find.