One-Hour Baby Gift

As far as I'm concerned, you can't have too many burp cloths with a new baby, and when my wild thing was little (which admittedly was quite some time ago), I always reached for the ones that were super-cute, as well as functional first.   I promised a tutorial on these burp cloths a couple of months ago, but I haven't needed another baby gift until now.  So, here is my method for creating adorable, yet oh-so-useful burp cloths; guaranteed to be loved by any new mom.  And really- you can make an entire set of these cuties in under an hour.

For a set of three burp cloths, you will need -
*three cloth diapers-  flat folded and pre-folded mean slightly different things depending on the brand, just be sure that they are perfectly rectangular (some pre-folded diapers aren't), with a thicker middle and two seams. I have used the Babies R Us store brand and the Gerber brand, and both work well.  I have seen some people use terry cloth, and that would work as well, but I love how the diapers get softer and softer with each wash.

*three fat quarters of flannel or minky fabric-  of course, you can't find minky in fat quarters, so what I really prefer is to buy half-yard cuts of fabric, which will yield two burp cloths each, in a few different prints.  That way, I can make coordinating sets of burp cloths, and I just keep the extra fabric to use for later gifts.

I usually try to keep a package of cloth diapers and flannel or minky fabric on hand so that I can make a set of these without even heading to the fabric store (not that I don't enjoy that, it's just that sometimes time is of the essence).  Okay, time to get started!

First, press your cloth diapers and measure them.  Keep in mind that these are not always sewn very precisely, but that's okay.

Next, cut your chosen fabrics to the same size as the cloth diaper.  If your cloth diapers are not sewn with perfectly straight edges, just cut your fabrics as closely as you can to the size of the diaper.  I promise it will still look awesome.

Sew the diaper and your fabric, right sides together with a quarter inch seam, using your walking foot as a guide.  You can use pins to hold your fabric in place, but these are so small, I just like to hold it in place while I sew.

*if you want to attach a decorative edge to the burp cloth like ric rac, now is the time!  Just lay the trim between the two fabrics, with the edge aligned with both fabrics.  When it is turned out, it will create a cute decorative touch.  If I have ric rac on hand, I like to use it, but if not, I don't worry about it.  These are still cute without!

Make sure to leave an opening large enough for your hand, so that you can turn it right side out.  Be sure to backstitch when you start and stop sewing so that it doesn't pull apart.

To reduce bulk, and to get a nice, crisp corner, make a diagonal cut across each corner.  Take extra care to avoid cutting your stitches!  Also, if you have any excess diaper sticking out (where it was not sewn straight), trim it up now.

Time to turn it right side out!  Use your finger to push the corners out to make them as sharp as possible.  Smooth it out, then turn the edges of the opening to the inside, and press.  Creating this little crease with the iron will really help when it's time to sew it closed.

Next, topstitch all the way around the cloth, including over the opening.  I usually sew this seam fairly close to the edge.

Almost done!  Just two more straight seams, and that's it!  Turn the burp cloth over.  See these two seams that run along the length?  Use them as a guide for your two quilting lines.

The two lines of quilting are just enough to hold the fabric in place.  Again, be sure to backstitch when you start and stop your sewing.

And there you have it!  A soft and cuddly burp cloth that absorbs a lot, and is fun to snuggle with!  I like to cut a strip of fabric from the scraps and tie them up in a sweet little set.

There are so many different flannel fabrics available that these are simple and fun to personalize.  You can make them to match the nursery, or can turn them into sports swag for the tiniest of fans.  The sky's the limit!

Handmade gifts are such a treasure, but I know that sometimes there is just not enough time in the day!  Well, the next time you're in a rush, and need a quick and easy baby gift, I hope you'll give these a try.  Whether you give them as a stand-alone gift, or as a little handmade "extra," they are sure to be loved!

Strip Tango Quilt

Hey y'all, this tutorial was originally included in the Oh Sew Baby! tutorial series at Fort Worth Fabric Studio last summer, but it's been awhile, and I felt like it was time to include it here as well!

 This quilt is one of my favorite go-to quilts to make when I need a fast and fun baby quilt.  It's easy to put together, simple to vary, and is fat quarter friendly.  That's a win in my book!

 You'll need at least nine fat quarters for this quilt.  Trim your fat quarters to 20.5 inches.  Then from each fat quarter, cut four strips, 4.5 x 20.5 inches for a total of 36 strips.

This quilt really is a snap to put together if you just remember a couple of important "rules."  First, one full strip length is equal to five strips sewn together in the opposite direction-

 This is going to be important to keep the proportions of your quilt correct.  Secondly, the quilt will measure 48 inches in width, which equals two full strip lengths, plus two "short sides" by 60 inches, which is three full strip lengths.

When I make this pattern, I always like to play around with the layout until I am happy with it, then take a picture.  Trust me, the picture can really help if your layout gets messed up. (ahem, pets and children anyone?)

I chose to lay my strips out into thirds.  Notice that the top third of the quilt has two horizontal strip sets, plus two vertical strips?  The other two thirds each only have one horizontal strip set, but seven vertical strips (remember, five vertical strips are equal to the width of one horizontal set).

Once you've decided on your layout, just start sewing your strips together in sections!  ps- I'm a quilting rebel and I do NOT press this until the very end.  Shhh...don't tell the quilt police!

Just join your sections together and, voila!  Your quilt top is finished!  The important thing to remember with this quilt is to have fun with it.  I like to think of it as a puzzle, but you get to decide where the pieces go!  The result is a modern, random look that appears more difficult than it really is.

This quilt is also really easy to modify to suit your size needs.  Bohemian Charm is another example of a quilt I've made with this pattern.  This one measures 60 x 64 inches, so it is three full strips in width by three full strips, plus one "short side" in length.  I did not choose to construct this one in thirds, and it's actually tough to tell where the different sections are, which I love!  I added some lines to the photo so you can see how this one goes together.

The finished quilt measures 48 x 60 inches.  A perfect size for a baby, but still big enough to be useful for years!

I hope that the next time you need a quick baby quilt, you'll give Strip Tango a try!

Bluebonnets for Baby

Remember that secret sewing project I've been promising?  Well, I'm happy that I finally get to reveal it to you, because it's my turn on the Oh Sew Baby! Tutorial Series at Fort Worth Fabric Studio!

I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to write up a tutorial for my Strip Tango pattern.  Since making Bohemian Charm, this has been one of my go-to patterns when I need a quick quilt that is perfect for showing off pretty fabrics.  In fact, I just posted another quilt I've been working on with this pattern in a twin size!

This quilt only requires nine fat quarters to put together, although I used extra fabrics because I prefer a little more variety.  Since I used more than nine fabrics, I had some leftover strips, which I pieced into the backing.

Springtime in Texas means that roadsides, hills, and fields are covered with bluebonnets- the state flower of Texas.  The beautiful blues and greens of this quilt remind me a lot of that gorgeous sight.  Although my family moved from Texas almost 8 years ago, we really loved the 7 years we lived in Texas, and this is certainly one of the things I miss.  In this photo they look purple, but they are really the most brilliant blue, and are quite a sight to behold. (photo courtesy of www.statesymbolsusa.org)

Head over to Fort Worth Fabric Studio to check out the tutorial for this quilt.  I hope you enjoy it!

Bold Braid Quilt

Hey y'all!  I initially wrote this tutorial for Benartex's Blog, Sew in Love With Fabric a few months ago, but since it's been awhile, I wanted to share it here as well.  I used Benartex's Dori fabric line in this quilt, and I just love the bright, fresh colors in this line.

I love the look of braid quilts and herringbone quilts, but when I'm short on time, I don't want to fuss with all of those tiny strips.  By making the strips wider, you can create a quilt with big impact in a snap!  Here's how-

Fabric Requirements-

10 fat quarters
2.5 yards backing fabric
1/2 yard binding fabric

Cutting-

Start by pressing your fat quarters and trimming to 18 x 18 inches.  We'll be using those scraps later so hang onto them!  Make a cut across one side to get a 4.5 inch strip.  Trim it to 13.5 inches, and choose two of the 4.5 inch squares to begin your braids.

Cut the remaining fabric into 4.5 inch strips in the other direction.  They will be 13.5 inches long.  Each fat quarter will yield 5 strips measuring 4.5 x 13.5 inches for a total of 50 strips.

Piecing the Quilt Top-

To build the braid pieces, start by taking one of your 4.5 inch squares and sew a strip to one side using a 1/4 inch seam.

Add another strip to the adjoining side of the square.  This is the beginning of your braid!

Continue adding strips to one side, then the other until you have 10 strips on each side.  This basic construction could really be used to make a braid of any length or width by varying the strip length, or by adding more strips, but for this fun little quilt, we'll stop at ten.

You can get as particular as you like about your strip arrangement.  Personally, I enjoy sewing in a carefree style and letting the fabric "fall where it may."  Of course, I know other quilters that prefer to lay out every single piece.  That's really up to you!

Time to take your braid to your cutting mat.  Start by lining up your ruler across your beginning square and trim at the widest point.

Then trim each side to a straight edge, cutting as little away as possible.

Finally, trim the bottom of your braid at the widest point.  I know it seems like a lot to trim off, but I usually square up these cut pieces and add them to my scraps.  I just refuse to waste pretty fabric!  Your trimmed braid will measure 16.5 inches wide by 52 inches long.

Once you have both of your braids pieced and trimmed up, lay them side by side and sew them together.  You should have 10 remaining strips after sewing both braids.  Sew four strips into a border for each long side.

Marvel at your finished quilt top!

Finishing the Quilt-

Now, let's talk about those scraps.  I always use my scraps in my backing so that nothing goes to waste- and you get the added bonus of making your quilt fun on both sides!

Once you've pieced your backing, just baste, quilt and bind with your favorite method.  I opted for the Dottie Lime fabric in this line as my main backing fabric, and I picked out that awesome orange color for the binding.  I quilted it with a simple meander, and I love the crinkly texture it gives the quilt.

Your finished quilt will measure 40 x 52 inches.  That's a great size for a baby or child, or even a large table topper!

This quilt would also look great with a third braid if you want to make the quilt a little bit bigger.  To do this you'll need a total of 12 fat quarters, cut into 60 strips for just three braids, or a few more fabrics to give you enough strips for a border.  I chose to add the third braid when I made Lilacs and Sunshine and I was really pleased with the way it came out. 

This pattern really goes together quickly, and the large braid makes a big impact!  Enjoy!

Simple Tablet Sleeve

Hey y'all!  As promised, here's a tutorial for the simplest, quickest tablet sleeve you will ever see.  I love things that are easy, speedy and most of all- cute!  You know that I'm not into fancy-schmancy stuff like zippers and pockets, so if I promise it's simple, you can count on it!

First of all, let me say that the sleeve I'm making fits a Kindle or an iPad mini (more snugly).  It will probably fit other eReaders and small tablets, but since I don't own any others, I can't actually test that out.  So, just know that if your tablet is no bigger than an iPad mini- you should be good with these measurements.  I've included the directions for calculating the measurements for bigger tablets at the end of the tutorial.

What You'll Need-

*Fabric for the outside of the case- cut 9x15 inches
      If you would prefer, you can also use scraps and piece them into a block measuring 9x15 inches

*Fabric for the lining of the case- cut 9x15 inches

*Fabric for the binding- strips- cut 2.5 inches and made into binding.  You'll need about 55 inches of binding, so if you're using yardage, you'll need two strips.  If you're using fat quarters, you'll need three strips, cut along the longer side.

   **If you're new to quilting and have never made binding, or put binding on a quilt before, it's no big
       deal!  Check out my full tutorial on binding by machine HERE!  My tutorial walks you through
       this process step by step with lots of pictures.

Have fun with your fabrics!  You can go as matchy or as funky as you like!  It's lots of fun opening up the sleeve and seeing an unexpected surprise of color in the lining.  This is also a great use of those fabrics that you love, but never quite make it into a quilt because they're hard to mix with others.

*Batting- cut 9x15 inches.  This is a great use of scrap batting!

*Velcro- you only need about 4 inches for one sleeve

Now, just make a tiny little quilt!  Lay your lining fabric face down.  Add your batting, and your outside fabric and baste.  It's so tiny that you don't have to worry about your "backing" fabric wrinkling, and it only takes about 5 pins (one on each corner and one in the center).

Next, quilt however you like!  Of course, I chose to meander because it's my favorite.

For the rest of this process, I use my walking foot.  Choose one side to fold over, and add binding to it, sewing to both sides.  Don't worry about leaving the raw edges of the binding exposed.  Just trim your binding flush with the edge of your quilt.

Next, sew velcro just under the binding strip.  My velcro is cut into sections about 2 inches long.  It's so much easier to sew the velcro on at this point, because once we stitch the sides together, it would get awfully tight!

Now take a look at your sleeve.  It's really just a little square quilt with part of it doubled over.  Just add your binding to it as you would any other quilt.  Be sure you give yourself plenty of seam allowance so you cover all of your raw edges completely.  Here's what it looks like when you attach the binding to one side.  It can get a little bit thick where it's doubled, but just take your time, increase your stitch length a little bit, and you'll be just fine!

Finally, flip your sleeve over and sew it to the other side.  I sew both sides by machine, but let me just say from experience, be careful that you don't pull the binding too far around the front.  Remember, sewing the binding further in will make your case more narrow.  Pull your binding just past the seam, and you won't make your case too small.  Another option would be to add a little width to your fabric, but I really like my cases to fit my devices snugly.

The very last step is to sew the other velcro to the closure flap at the top.

And, voila!  A sweet little tablet sleeve that's the perfect mix of functional and fabulous!

Alright, all you full size tablet owners, this part's for you!  The construction is the same, but you'll just vary your measurements!

*To determine the proper width of your fabric, measure the long side of your device.  Add 1.5 inches to it.

*To determine the proper length of your fabric (the part that will be folded over), measure the short side of your device, double it, and then add five inches.  Since your device is bigger, this allows for a closure flap that is slightly bigger (which may also affect velcro placement).

Use these measurements to cut your lining fabric, outside fabric, and your batting.

*Rather than do all sorts of calculations (unless you're into that sort of thing), just know that three binding strips cut WOF should be long enough to make a case for any tablet.

**Edited to add- If you make a sleeve for a tablet, and would like to send me the measurements, I'll be sure to add it here!

-from Hilary, Young Texan Mama- Nexus 7 measurements- 9.25 x 14 inches

I hope you give this a try!  These are great when you need a quick gift, or if you want to do a little bit of selfish sewing!  And there is so much opportunity to change the look just by changing the fabrics!  Check out my post HERE to see lots of different ones that I've made.

See?  Definitely cute, and totally simple!