Crochet Bunny Hat Patterns

My girls love to wear hats, so last week I searched for a free crochet bunny hat pattern. I found two that I liked, this one from Red Heart;

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Photo from Red Heart

and The Floppy Bunny Hat from Mama G's Big Crafty Blog.

Photo from Mama G's Blog

It turns out that I don't like to follow patterns.  I never have the right yarn on hand, so I improvise :)  For my first white bunny hat I used Light & Lofty yarn and my classic hat pattern, then added a scallop edge and some ears that I improvised.  For the pink bunny hat, I followed the Red Heart pattern above, using two strands of sports-weight yarn, then my ears again.  Mally wore hers to church and town - they love them!  Please send me pictures if you use one of these patterns...I'd love to see your little bunnies!

Here is the pattern I used for the ears:

Mama Lusco's Crochet Bunny Ears

Continue using same yarn & hook as you used for the hat.

Row 1:Chain on 15;

Row 2- 11: Turn and sc in 2nd stitch and across back to end of row (14 sc), chain 1;

Row 12: Turn and sc 2nd and 3rd stitches together (decreasing), then sc across and sc 13th & 14th st together (decreasing to 12 sc), chain 1;

Row 13-23: Turn and sc in 2nd stitch and across to end of row (12 sc), chain 1;

Row 24: Turn and sc 2nd and 3rd st together(decreasing), then sc across until sc 11 &12 st together(decreasing to 10sc), chain 1;

Row 25-29: Turn and sc in 2nd st and in each st across, chain 1;

Row 30: Turn and sc in 2nd and 3rd st together (decreasing to 9sc), then sc across, chain 1;

Row 31-35: Turn and sc in 2nd st and in each st across, chain 1;

Row 36: Turn and sc 2nd and 3rd st together (decreasing to 8 sc), then sc across, chain 1;

Row 37-40: Turn and sc in 2nd st each st across, chain 1;

Turn and sc all around ear, joining at tip of ear at Row 40.

Sew or sc ear to top of hat.

Linking to these fabulous parties:
My Frugal Family: Talented Tuesday
Skip to My Lou: Made By You Monday
A Silly Little Sparrow: Tute Your Horn Tuesday
Today's Creative Blog: Get Your Craft On
Sumo's Sweet Stuff: Market Yourself Monday
Delicious Ambiguity: Tot Tuesdays
Someday Crafts: Whatever Goes Wednesday
Women Who Do It All: Idea Sharing Wednesday
Tatertots and Jello: Weekend Wrap-up
Treasures for Tots: Thursday's Treasures

Sideways Squares Skirt - Take 2

Here is version 2 of the 'Sideways Squares' Skirt from Anna Maria Horner's Seams To Me.  This time, I shortened the skirt by 4" and added a ruffle trim.  This one is not on the bias, since it was a pin-striped fabric (hand-me-down from my mother - thanks!)  I kept the elastic waist again and like it.  The skirt is trim enough that it doesn't gather awkwardly, so I don't think it really needs a zipper.  I think I'll wear this one for Easter.  I had picked out a black brocade fabric from my stash, but like this grey one. 

We are having a huge wind & rain storm, so no pretty pictures outside :)



Linked to:
Creative Itch: Sew Cute Tuesday

New Skirt

 I just couldn't stand it...I had to make something just for me!  Forget the two rooms that still need curtains, I was going to make the tote bags I had promised my SIL and two extras for me.  While I was on a sewing kick, I also tried the Sideways Square Skirt from Anna Maria Horner's Seams to Me.  I need to make a skirt to wear for Easter, but wanted to try the pattern in cheap quilter's cotton before cutting into my fancy stuff.   You take your measurements and follow her formula to draw your pattern and VOILA!  A skirt made to fit your curves.  Besides being saddened by how big my waist and hips really are, I'm pleased with the fit.  The picture Andy took of me wearing the skirt was laughable - I was wearing my pink Adidas tennis shoes & wool socks - so this is as good as it gets...

I also sewed matching diamonds down the back of the skirt.  It sewed up in about an hour and the directions were excellent.  It has no zipper, so I have to put it on over my head, but don't mind because zippers are scary.  I can handle zippers in purses, but zippers on clothing still intimidate me.  Maybe next time :) 

First Attempt at Jewelry-Making

Love it!  This was my first time making jewelry and it turned out great.  Not perfect, but good enough for a first attempt :)  I've bought many earrings, a necklace & bracelet from Joy Made Jewelry and she offers good stuff at great prices.  I decided to try a DIY kit after seeing a feature at Ruffles & Stuff.  It only took about 30 minutes for this novice to make my necklace and Joy offers step-by-step tutorials on her blog.  I give this project two thumbs up!  Wouldn't these make great gifts for Mother's Day?  Joy is offering a great special through March 27th to help raise money for a youth mission trip.  Visit her store for details.  The necklace kit I used is on sale for $1.99!

Bunny Templates

The talented Denise from Whimsy Couture is offering free bunny applique templates over at her blog.  Head on over here for some cute bunnies!  I'm hoping to find time to make a bunny hat or shirt for Mallory before Easter. Thanks, Denise!

Photos from Whimsy Couture

DIY Black Frames Makeover

No sewing recently, but I did get all my picture frames- 25 of them - painted black. Instead of buying all new matching frames, I just spray painted the old, wooden ones then finished them with a clear-coat sealer. I haven't hung them yet except for two in my bedroom, but they turned out great!

This picture shows the "before" oak frame and the "after" black frames.

I'd recommend using a good quality spray paint.  The Rustoleum 2x costs about $4/can and I needed 2 cans for 25 frames.  It covered so much nicer than the cheaper spray paint.  We had the paint and clear sealer on hand, so this project was free to me, but works out to pennies per frame if you purchase new paint & sealer.  If you prefer a matte finish, skip the sealer.  I did seal them because I think the gloss finish hides imperfections and makes them easier to dust.
DIY How-To:
Remove the glass from your frames, dust them off, then lay out on painters plastic or other protected surface.  Spray a light layer of paint; let dry & repeat.  I did this outside in the sun, so they dried in about an hour.  Finish with a clear coat; let dry for a few hours.  Replace your glass & hang your new beauty on your wall.  Cheap and quick results!

Linking with these fabulous blog parties:

Creative Jewish: Mom's Craft Schooling Sunday
Treasures for Tots: Thursday's Treasures
Fingerprints on the Fridge: Feature Yourself Friday 
Simply Sweet Home: Friday Favorites
My Frugal Family: Talented Tuesday

Womanly Goodness

Oh, my! I just found a link to this wonderful wrap skirt/apron Domesticated Skirt from Sew a Straight Line.  I love aprons and skirts and am adding this to my 'To Do' list. It will be perfect for our warm spring days and hot summers.

It reminds me of this reversible Wrap Skirt that was featured on Sew, Mama, Sew.  I made this one last year and it came together easily.

Photo from Sew, Mama, Sew

 

I've also had this reversible Wrap Around Skirt from What Did She Do Today? on my project list for over a year, just waiting for me to get to it.  I'm really looking forward to getting back to some fun sewing once all my curtains are done!

Decorating My Home- Master Bedroom

Yes!  Finally finished my master bedroom curtains, valances & pillow covers.  They remind me of a rich, tropical resort.  I again used the Sew 4 Home lined-tab-top panel tutorial for the panels. Other tutorials I visited for inspiration were this one from 7 Layer Studio and this one from Sew 4 Home. For the buttons, I used assorted black & gold vintage buttons.  The valances are fully-lined and the pillows and tie-backs are from the same material.  The pillows are a simple envelope-back for washing & changing.  My friend, Denise at Whimsy Couture has a free tutorial here for pillow covers. I'm really happy with them!  This weekend I'm working at hanging pictures & mirrors then it's on to the kids' rooms.

Country Goodness

I just came across this wonderful tutorial by Kristine McKay of KMcKay Designs for an interchangable chicken wire frame - perfect for my shabby-chic country home!  Another project for my 'To Do' list...

Photos from KMcKay Design

And The Winner Is...

Kelly, Carrie, Kylie and Zachary said...
These are cute! I would love to win.

Congratulations!  I've sent an email to you and hope all my visitors come back soon!

Sewing, Sewing, Sewing

I've been at my sewing machine for the past 2 days working on curtains...not my favorite sewing, but a necessity for my new home.  I plan to post more pictures when I'm finished, but here's a sneak peek of my bedroom:

The little giveaway ends today at 4pm PST, so please leave a comment if you haven't entered!

Little Giveaway - CLOSED

With some of the leftover fat quarters from the Mama's Ruffle Shoulder Bag, I made two zippered pouches. They're far from perfect but very functional! I'd like to give one away.

To enter:
1.  Leave a comment with your email or have it public on your blog so I can contact you if you win.
2.  Followers get an extra entry!

Contest ends Wed. March 10th.  Open to all!
*****THANKS TO ALL WHO ENTERED - CONTEST NOW CLOSED********

Mama's Ruffle Shoulder Bag & Tutorial

 

Mama's Ruffle Shoulder Bag & Tutorial

I've been wanting to make a ruffled shoulder bag but haven't found a perfect pattern that I wanted to pay for (I'm cheap!)  Instead, I came up with this simple pattern using a fat quarter pack I had in my stash.  Here's how it came together:

Supplies

7 fat quarters (FQ =18" x 21") or about 2 yards of fabric

fusible interfacing

magnetic snap closure

O-ring or D-ring or handle hardware (optional)

basic sewing notions 

Instructions
1. Cut fabric pieces and interfacing:

- Set aside one FQ for the outer bag and one FQ for the lining; cut interfacing for both outer & lining fabrics & fuse together.
- Handles / Key loop: one FQ - Cut 2 - 5" x 21" strips for longer handle section; Cut 2 - 5" x 10 1/2" for shorter handle section.  Cut 1 - 2 1/2" x 10" for key loop.  Cut interfacing for all handle pieces & fuse together.
- Pocket: one FQ - Cut 1 - 6" x 18".  Cut interfacing and fuse.
- Ruffles: I used 3 different FQ.  Cut a total of 12 - 3 1/2" x 18" strips.  If you want more ruffles, adjust the width smaller or layer them to get the look you want.
2.  Prepare the handles:  I like to get this out of the way first.  Press all handle pieces and key loop in half lengthwise.

Open and press both sides in toward the center crease.

Press center crease closed again.

Stitch 1/8” or as close as you can along each long side.

 

Sew O-Ring/D-Ring or Handle Hardware to one end of a short strip.  

Attach longer handle strip to ring.  Sew across strap about 1" below & above ring and set aside.

You can skip the rings and just make longer fabric strips for a shoulder bag or omit the short pieces for a handbag.

 Press Key Loop (2 1/2" x 10") as above and topstitch.  Set aside.

3.  Prepare the bag body pieces:
Fold main FQ and lining FQ in 1/2 so they measure 10 1/2" x 18"w with the fold at the bottom.

Measure in 2" from each top outside edge and mark.

 

Place ruler on outside edge of bottom and connect to mark on top of the piece; Cut.  Repeat with lining piece.

4.  Prepare Ruffle Stips:  Sew together 2 strips at their short ends to make pieces equalling 3 1/3" x 36"l.  

Serge or narrow hem both top and bottom of the ruffle strips.

Gather along top edge of ruffle strips.  

5. Placing your ruffles:

Measure down 2" from top edge of outer fabric and draw line across.  Measure down another 3" and draw line: another 3" down and draw a 3rd line across main fabric.

 Turn fabric over (or open piece) and repeat on opposite side of main fabric.

Place top ruffle wrong-side-up with gathered edge towards the pencil line.  The ruffle will be "resting" upside down on top of the line.  Pin in place.

 Repeat with other 2 ruffles; turn and repeat on the opposite side.

Stitch ruffles in place.  Press downward then topstitch.

  

Baste ruffles down along edges of bag; trim.

6.  Assembling Outer Bag:

Place bag with right-sides-together.  Pin along sides and sew.

Pinch down bottom corners to make a gusset.  Measure across 1 1/2", mark then sew across line.  

 

Trim corner off.  Turn bag right-side-out and set aside.

7.  Preparing the lining:

Sew the pocket first.  Fold in half to form 6" x 9" piece.  Sew around, leaving 3" opening to turn.  

 

Turn right-side-out, press.  Topstitch one long end.

Place pocket by measuring down 3" from top of bag and in 3 1/4" from each side (or center to your bag's measurements).  If you want two smaller pockets (good for a cell phone), measure center of pocket and draw a line.  Sew around outer edge of pocket and down center.

Place key loop by measuring in about 3" on opposite side of lining. Sew across.

Place lining with right-sides together.  Sew down one side.  On the other side, sew down 2-3", stop and reinforce.  Leave 4-5" open for turning.  Sew bottom 2-3" to corner.

 

Make 1 1/2" gussets in corners as above. Trim corner off.

Place the magnetic snap by finding the center of the lining, 2" down from the top edge.

Insert magnetic closure.

Repeat for other side of closure.

8.  Add the handles.
Measure in 2 1/2" from outer edge of outer bag.  Pin handles & baste in place.

 

9.  Putting it together:

Insert outer bag into lining with right-sides-together and wrong-sides out.  Pin top edge and sew around.

  

Turn bag right-side-out, bringing fabric through the opening in side of lining.

Topstitch the opening in the lining closed.

Press top of bag; topstitch.

Do a little happy dance, because you are done!  Please email me if you have questions or need clarification.  Pattern is for personal use only, please.   I'd love to see pictures of your bag!