Sunday, April 25, 2010

Quick Blankies, Runners, And Whatever Your Imagination Can Conceive

So I received a fabulous fabric kit with interesting instructions, which I pretty much scrapped, but was able to create and adapt for many other different projects.  The kicker, it only takes about 10 minutes to do, with minimal supplies, and little sewing knowledge.  I have used this to create so many different gifts! I just have to pass it on! here are the basic instructions and some suggested fabric cuts for different projects.

Step 1: Take the primary, smaller cut of fabric and match it, right sides together (that is, put the outer print that you want everyone to see down on the outer side of the second fabric so that the "ugly" side of the fabric is facing you.), with the right sides of the bottom, larger cut of fabric.

Step 2: Pin the short sides together and sew, leaving the longer sides open.  This creates a tube of fabric.  Turn the tube right sides out.

Step 3: Using a ruler or seam gauge, measure and iron the larger fabric so there are equal borders on both sides.

Step 4: Turn the fabric tube right sides together again and pin the long sides together this time, making sure to leave an opening on one end large enough for you to fit 4 fingers through that you do not sew shut.  Sew the long sides excluding the opening.

Step 5: Using the opening you left turn the fabric project right sides out one last time.  Iron flat and hand sew the opening closed using a quick stitch.  Another option, if you hate hand sewing like I do, use some ironable hem tape (The kind you use to hold up your pant hem when the stitching comes out- but not staples or safety pins, which I know do the same things for your pant hems) and iron the opening shut. I haven't tried doing the whole project with hem tape yet but I'm sure you could manage it if you don't have a sewing machine.

Step 6: Step back, drink a glass of wine, and pat yourself on the back for being so crafty and done with a gift, decoration, or whatever in a matter of minutes!

So here are some suggestions for fabric measurements.

For a little baby blannkie- which perfect with a little satin and some minky fabric: one satin piece measuring 18"X21" (a fat quarter), a slightly larger piece of minky possibly 18"X26" or 23"X21".

For a table runner: The main fabric= 1/2 yard, the backing fabric= 3/4 yard.  These measurements can change based on your table.  Some may want it longer or shorter.  Measure your table in terms of yards and determine what a 1/2 yard would look like on your table- do you like it? want it shorter/longer?  Use a measuring tape or another runner to determine the length of what you want.

Advanced sewers or for anyone wanting a little challenge: Add ribbon, rick rack, or strings of beads to bring it the next level.  During step 2 sandwich the decoration on the inside of the fabrics with the fancy part facing the inside of the tube and sew it when you stitch the sides together.  When you turn the tube right sides out, make sure to iron the decoration to either the border or the inside main fabric according to your preference and continue with step 3.  Not really couture advanced sewing but does create something amazing! 

Let me know how this works out for you! I absolutely love how long it takes and how great it looks- and from what I've heard- everyone who's received it loves it too!

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