Happy Monday to you all! Today I keep it short and sweet as I show you some modern art that I made. Once you see the video, imagine all the possibilities…you could have a set for Christmas, summer, Valentine’s Day! Oh boy, my wheels are turning now.
Modern Fabric Art from Ingrid Barlow on Vimeo.
I know a lot of the blog has been about baby related stuff…good for those of you in that stage of life…to those of you who aren’t, I hope you have found it somewhat interesting.
It just hit me last week, that as long as I am doing cloth diapers I might as well start using reusable wipes. I have loved my homemade disposable wipes for the past 6 months, but Elias is slowing down in how many of those he needs per diaper change, so I think now would be a good time to attempt the reusable ones. Here’s how I made mine.
I used some terry cloth, but the majority of mine are made out of old flannel receiving blankets. This is a perfect way to recycle some of those extra little blankets. Plus, since they usually come in a pack you will have coordinating ones. ahh, the importance of coordinating wipes! :)
*Cut your material into 8″ squares. (I got 9 from each receiving blanket.)
*Layer two squares right sides together and pin.
*Sew around outside, leaving an opening for turning right side out.
*Trim corners so that it is not so bulky when you turn it right side out.
*Turn right side out and sew around near the edge on the right side sewing shut the opening as you go.
*You can either pre-soak your wipes in a container or spray them as you need them. The solution is 2 cups water, 3 Tbsp. baby oil, 2 Tbsp. head-to-toe baby wash.
*Throw dirty wipes in the wash with your dirty diapers.
“Changing the world one stinky at a time.”
(Onesie from Elegant Mommy.)
Since I made a few more flour sacks, I went through my drawer and pulled all the old ones. Even though they are a bit stained they still make great rags. Plus, you can always do something creative with the embroidered part later. (Somebody put in a lot of work to stitch up that pretty little corner!)
I suddenly had a pile of rags that needed a place…so I whipped up a rag bag. I mean seriously whipped it up! 15 minutes.
It hangs from a ribbon loop.
A stamped tag so Tony and guests know what it is.
A little rick-rack around the hole.
Such a sweet little project. A pretty place for your rags.
Directions:
-Cut your fabric. I used ticking and cut it 41″x15″. If you cut it long like this, you will not have to sew the bottom of the bag because it will be a fold edge.
-Fold your fabric in half with right sides together, 20″x15″ and pin.
-Take a 6″ piece of ribbon, or whatever, and fold it in half. Along the top of the pinned edge, place the folded ribbon on the inside of the bag. You want the raw edges of the ribbon to line up with the raw edges of the bag on the 15″ end.
-Sew around the 3 sides. You don’t have to leave an opening!
-Use a bowl or plate, anything round, and trace a circle on the wrong side of the fabric. Being very careful to only cut through one layer of fabric, cut out the circle.
-Turn bag right side out through the hole you just cut.
-Take some rick-rack, and sew it on the raw edge of the circle.
Ta-da! Happy rag bag!
I’m so sorry Tony–you are such a good sport about my constant creating. Our couch looks like this more than I would like to admit. I just can’t help myself. I love keeping my hands busy and I love being at the center of our home where the rest of the family is.
I did some knitting and then needed a break from that so I pulled out some flour sacks that needed stitching.
As I’ve said before, flour sacks are the best dish towels. They are what my grandma uses, my mom, me, and hopefully my kids will someday too. As Teyva says, “Tradition! Tradition!”
You can get plain flour sacks at most craft stores. You can also purchase iron on designs for them. It’s as simple as ironing on and stitching with embroidery floss.
This one is ready for the stitching. You can always just draw your own design. Might be fun to have your little one draw something and then you can help them add the floss. Keep it simple!
Here’s a little lesson on how to make a zippered pouch. Grab yourself 2 squares of lining, 2 squares of your outer fabric and a zipper. Cut your fabric all the same size. For example I had a 10″ zipper and I cut all my fabric squares 7″x10″
(Side note on the zipper: My mom gave me some of her 100% wool sweaters that she no longer needed. I felted the sweaters and made these mittens and then I saved the zippers for a future project. Well, one of those zippers came in handy for this pouch. I love being green!)
Lay one piece of your lining right side up. Put your zipper on top of it right side up. Then place your outer fabric on top of that right side down. If you have a directional outer fabric place it with the top of the fabric at the top of your “sandwich.” Pin the top edge and sew across as close to the zipper as you can. Zipper foot if you have it! Take a look at the pictures below to help you.
When you open up what you just sewed above, you see this.
Repeat on the other edge of the zipper. Lining side up+zipper edge+outer fabric side down.
When you are done sewing that side, you see this view when you lay it out.
Now, put your outer fabrics together and your lining fabrics together. (Make sure you have your zipper about half way open. This is important when you turn your pouch right side out!) Pin layers together. If you would like to put a little ribbon in the side for a handle or wristlet, do that now. Place it between the two outer pieces of fabric with the loop tucked inside. Sew around the edges leaving a 2″ opening in the bottom of the lining side. Be careful when you sew over your zipper spots. We don’t want any broken needles!
Pull out your pouch through the hole you left in the lining side.
Hand stitch or machine stitch the hole in the lining closed.
Push the lining into the pouch and you are done! Ta-da! Pretty easy, huh?! Think of all the fun things you can make now with zippers!
I’m off to the Black Hills for the weekend. See you all on Monday for Movie Monday!!
