Faux Petti Tutorial

I made this super simple "petti" to fit under another skirt I'm making.

But it would look very cute all by itself.

It's basically very easy to sew, but the tulle ruffles can be time-consuming.

Please ignore my thread - none of it matches!
I always forget to buy more white thread when I'm at the store.
I also didn't feel like changing the thread in my serger.
Oh well!
Since this will be under another skirt, I didn't worry about it.

Materials Needed:

spool of tulle (6" x 25 yards)

1/4" elastic (not pictured)

safety pins or bodkin (not pictured)

coordinating thread

bobbin with upholstery thread

1 piece of fabric 10" long, cut selvage to selvage

Serge the top of the material or zig-zag the edges.

Fold down 1/2" and iron.

Unfold the hem you just ironed.
Fold the material in half, right sides facing.
Sew down the length of the material.
Serge the seams (or zig-zag the edges).
Iron the seam flat, fold the hem back down and iron.

Top stitch to creating a casing.
Make sure to leave a 1" opening for the elastic.

Load your machine with the bobbin of upholstery thread.
Set your machine to it's longest stitch, or gathering stitch.
Run the gathering stitch about 1/2" from the top of the tulle.

---------------
I folded the tulle in half before sewing a gathering stitch.
If you'd like the tulle longer, don't worry about folding it.
I gathered almost 5 yards of tulle - or 3 times the width of my fabric.

Because you'll be using upholstery thread instead of regular thread, you won't have to worry about it breaking.
To gather the ruffles, simply pull on the upholstery thread not the regular thread.

Carefully straighten out the ruffles.
This will take some time, but be sure to go slow and do a good job.
I always want to rush ruffles and I end up making mistakes that take forever to fix!

---------------
Pin the ruffled tulle to the right side of the skirt.

When you've come around back to the beginning, overlap the ruffles about 1" or so.

Serge or zig-zag the edges.

Being very careful not to scorch the tulle, work on the right side and iron the seam you just created UP.

Top stitch to hold the bottom seam in place and for a nice, finished look.
Carefully remove the gathering stitch from the tulle.

Measure your child's waist and cut the elastic 1/2" longer.
Attach it to a safety pin (or bodkin) and run it through the waistband.
Overlap the ends of the elastic 1" and secure with a triple stitch.

Tuck the elastic into the waistband, and then triple stitch the opening in the waistband closed.

All Done!

Have Fun!!

Double Crochet Flower

Serenity's dress is from courtneycourtney! I'll have more pictures of it soon!

I found the cutest crochet flower from Daisy Cottage Design and had to try it!


The Double Layer Daisy pattern is super easy to make - even for beginners.

I did alter the pattern slightly because I think it works up faster for me, but it's still very easy to crochet.

Here's how I made the two double flowers on Serenity's headband:

Abbreviations:
ch = chain
sp = space
sl st = slip stitch
sc = single crochet
dc = double crochet
tr = triple crochet
bpsc = back post single crochet

Crochet Hook Needed:
F, 1st double flower
H, 2nd double flower

Yarn:
Sugar 'n Cream 100% cotton yarn

Double Crochet Flower:

Round 1: Start with a Magic Adjustable Ring, 10 dc in circle, join with a sl st, tighten ring.
Round 2: ch 1, sc in same st, *ch 2, skip 1 sc, sc in next stitch, repeat from * around, ch 2, skip 1 sc, join with a sl st.
Round 3: *ch 3, 3 tr in ch 2 sp, ch 3, sl st in sc, repeat from * around, join with a sl st.
Round 4: ch 1, *bpsc around sc post on round 2, ch 3, repeat from * around, join with a sl st.
Round 5: *ch 2, 3 dc in ch 3 sp, ch 3, sl sc in sc, repeat from * around, join with a sl st.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Make two flowers different sizes, and use your glue gun to attach it to a headband or hat.



While you've over at Daisy Cottage Design, check out her FREE Newborn Owl Hat pattern, Petal Daisy Flower and other wonderful tutorials too!

This project is CHEAP!

It can be made with left-over yarn so you don't have to run out and buy a thing!

Sweet!



Have fun!

Mini Top Hat Crochet Pattern

Serenity's adorable Halloween shirt is from Paperlili!

Abbreviations:
ch = chain
bl = back loop
sl st = slip stitch
sc = single crochet
sc2tog = single crochet two stitches together

Crochet Hook Needed:
F, but you can use whatever size you want.
Remember the hat can be bigger or smaller depending on the size hook you use.

Yarn:
1 skein of Sugar 'n Cream 100% cotton yarn

Mini Top Hat Crochet Pattern:

Row 1: Start with a Magic Adjustable Ring, 10 sc into ring, join with sl st, tighten ring.
Row 2: ch 1, turn (always turn your work in the same direction throughout), 2 sc in each sc around, join with sl st.
Row 3: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc around, join with sl st.
Row 4: ch 1, turn, 2 sc in each sc around, join with sl st.
Row 5: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc around, join with sl st.
Row 6: (working in bl only on this row) ch1, sc in each sc around, join with a sl st.
Row 7: ch 1, turn, sc in next 9 sc, sc2tog, sc in each sc around until last 10 sc, sc2tog, sc in each sc, join with a sl st.
Row 8: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc around, join with sl st.
Row 9: ch 1, turn, sc in next 8 sc, sc2tog, sc in each sc around until last 9 sc, sc2tog, sc in each sc, join with sl st.
Row 10: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc around, join with a sl st.
Row 11: ch 1, turn, sc in next 7 sc, sc2tog, sc in each sc around until last 8 sc, sc2tog, sc in each sc, join with a sl st.
Row 12-13: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc around, join with sl st.
Row 14: ch 1, turn, sc in next 6 sc, sc2tog, sc in each sc around until last 7 sc, sc2tog, sc in each sc, join with a sl st.
Row 15-17: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc around, join with sl st.
Row 18: (working in bl only on this row): ch 1, turn, 2 sc in same sc, 1 sc in next sc, *2 sc in next sc, 1 sc in next sc, repeat from * around, join with sl st.
Row 19: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc around, join with sl st.
Row 20: ch 1, turn, sc in next 12 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in each sc around until last 13 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in each sc.

Fasten off and weave in the ends.

Attach to alligator clips or a headband after embellishing.


Embellish your new mini top hat with scraps of :

ribbon
feathers
silk flowers
lace
various trims
netting
buttons
bows
rolled shabby flowers
pearls
rhinestones
tulle

Whatever sparks your creativity!

This is an inexpensive fascinator.
It'll cost between $5 - $10 for the supplies.
It can be crocheted in about 30 minutes (or a little more depending on your level of expertise).
They are perfect for party favors too!

This tutorial is for personal use only.
If you do make a fascinator using my tutorial, I would appreciate a link back to this tutorial please!
I always try to give full credit to the creative blogs and people who inspire me - you can see evidence of this all over my blog!
I only ask for the same curtsy in return.

Thank you!

Have fun!

Crochted Newborn Elf Hat

I recently created this crocheted elf hat for a newborn photoshoot.
It's inexpensive, very quick and easy to work up - even beginners can do it!


Long Elf Hat:

Abbreviations:
sl st = slip stitch
ch = chain
hdc = half double crochet

Crochet hook needed:
I, or size needed to obtain gauge.

Gauge:
4 hdc = 1"
3 rows = 1"

I used the equivalent of one skein of Sugar 'n Cream cotton yarn for the entire hat.

That's less than $5 for one hat!

Row 1: Start with a Magic Adjustable Ring, ch1, 10 hdc into ring, join with a sl st. Tighten ring.
Row 2-29: ch1, hdc in first hdc and in each hdc around, join with a sl st. (10 hdc)
Row 30: ch1, 2 hdc in first hdc and in each hdc around, join with a sl st. (20 hdc)
Row 31: ch 1, 2 hdc in first hdc and in each hdc around, join with a sl st. (40 hdc)
Row 32-39: ch 1, hdc in first hdc and in each hdc around, join with a sl st. (40 hdc)
Row 40: ch 1, hdc in first hdc and in each hdc around, fasten off.

Attach a pom-pom on the end.
Weave in all the loose ends.
All done!


POST-IT NOTE: I used a Clover Pom-Pom maker to make the pom-pom for my little elf hat (I bought a bunch of sizes when they went on sale over half off at Michael's a few years ago), but this super easy cardboard technique works great too!

Pin It

Have fun!

ZozoBugBaby Patterns GIVEAWAY!

Serenity is wearing an outfit I made using ZozoBugBaby's The Rosey Tilt-a-Twirl Skirt and Tee pattern.



Julie from ZozoBugBaby is offering my readers a chance to win all 8 of her awesome PDF patterns!

That's $96 worth of patterns!

WOW!

What a deal!

To enter just head over to Facebook and "Like" ZozoBugBaby's Fan Page, then come back here and leave a comment telling me you did!

For extra entries:
1. Suggest ZozoBugBaby to a friend and leave a comment telling me who!
2. Leave a comment if you're a Treasures for Tots Fan (either on FB or my blog)


Don't forget to leave a separate comment for EACH entry (up to 3 entries per person)!

Make sure to leave your email address in your comment if it isn't available through your blog or profile! I need to be able to contact you if you win!

The contest will be opened until Thursday at 12AM.

A winner will be picked randomly using "Random.org".

I made Serenity's Halloween outfit using ZozoBugBaby's The Candy Shoppe Skirt and Tee pattern.

Good Luck and Have Fun!

Fleece Hat and Sock Mittens

I found the cutest free fleece hat (w/flaps) tutorial at Kitschy Coo and finally got around to make one for Serenity.

The tutorial was very easy to follow and Serenity's Strawberry Shortcake hat came together fast. The only thing I did differently was add the braided ties on the ends of the flaps. I measured 6 strips 1"w x 10"l to make the braids and applied the same technique as the pom-poms on top of the hat. Very simple.

Then I made some little sock mittens. I wanted some mittens for Serenity that didn't limit her mobility too much. It doesn't get so cold down here that she really needs thick mittens everyday (although you could put thick mittens over these for extra warmth). So, I made these using a pair of long socks I got on sale at Target last week. You can use old socks, thrift store finds, or even mismatched ones. Since I wanted Serenity to wear these mitts mostly for play, it doesn't really matter if they don't match!

The mittens were quick to put together, but knits can be hard to work with - I still need lots of practice! I made plenty of mistakes sewing these tiny mitts together, but in the end, they are what I had in mind and I like how they turned out.

1. Basically I just traced Serenity's hand to make a pattern. Don't add seam allowances to the pattern.
2. Then I pinned the pattern to the top of a pair of socks - I stretched the sock to get it to fit the pattern, I wanted the mittens to fit snug. It's okay if one side of the pattern is on a fold - you'll have less to sew!
3. Next I sewed it along the edge - you can used a zig-zag stitch or a straight stitch. Use a long stitch since it makes it easier to sew knit, and sew slowly.

I think I got the hang of it - the next pair will be much easier!
Now I wonder what I'm going to do with the rest of the sock?


I love her cute fleece hat too!
Head over to Kitschy Coo to see how I made it!


Happy Holidays!

GROSGRAIN Muff Tutorial and Storybook Reversable Cape Pattern!!!!

How pretty!

Go download your FREE pattern at Grosgrain: GROSGRAIN Muff Tutorial and Storybook Reversable Cape Pattern!!!!

Scroll down for the Muff Tutorial.

Happy Holidays!

Felt Cell Phone Case

I made this felt case for my Blackberry (and iPhone would fit too), using Juicy Bits' free Owl ornament pattern. I just used it as an applique for the front of my felt case.

1. First I cut out 2 pieces of tan felt 4" w x 5" l, then folded one piece in half lengthwise and cut a small curve along the top.

2. Next, I attached the applique (using felt, buttons and fabric), to the piece of felt with the curvy top. Use whatever stitch you'd like - I'm still learning so I just did something simple, but it would be interesting with a few fancy stitches.

3. Then I cut two pieces of matching cotton material for the lining - the same size as the tan felt. I ironed a "hem" at the top to give it a more finished look, but I think it would look good pinked too.

4. Finally, I pinned the whole thing together, and then hand sewed a blanket stitch around the edges.

All done!

I purchased the felt from American Felt & Craft. It's an excellent online store and shipping was very fast!

I used bamboo felt for the owl. Bamboo felt is so soft! It's also expensive - so I used a sample pack I ordered for $5. It's wonderful to work with and the colors are beautiful and bright.

The case is a wool/rayon felt blend (75¢/piece). American Felt & Craft has tons of beautiful colors to choose from too! It's not as soft as bamboo felt (of course), but it's still great to work with - much better than the craft felt I've been using!

The case doesn't fit my Blackberry as snug as I'd like it to, so next time I'll make it a little smaller, maybe 3 1/2"w x 4 3/4"l instead.

Even using the nicer wool/rayon felt blend and bamboo felt, this project is cheap. And simple. It would be a cute present for Christmas and Birthdays. I think older kids would enjoying making these for their parents and friends - or themselves!

Happy Holidays!

Twirly Tee Tutu Skirt Tute

Here's the tutorial for the cute t-shirt twirl skirt that I promised y'all! Did you notice the little silly name I gave the skirt? Is that the most ridiculous name or what?!

This would be a cute skirt for any occasion or holiday! Serenity's pink skirt makes me think of Valentine's Day!

Okay, putting this tutorial together took MUCH longer than I thought it would - there were more steps than I imagined! But don't let that intimidate you, it really isn't that hard to sew together. If you have any questions or notice any mistakes, please email me! Thank you!

Here's a picture of Serenity wearing the original Crazy 8 skirt:





POST-IT-NOTE:
I changed the elastic waistband to a knit waistband. The main reason is because it's just easier - and has a neater look. This is the very first time I ever sewed this type of waistband, so to learn how to do it I read this tutorial and this tutorial, try this one, and these helpful tips too. I probably should've cut a little more off the width of the waistband before sewing it, because mine came out a little bigger than I wanted, but I guess that just means Serenity has a extra growing room!

Remember to click on any picture to ZOOM in!


Materials needed:
3/4 yard jersey knit material
6" spool of tulle
7"w x 15"l piece of cardboard
2 rubber bands
small piece of cardboard (size of an index card)
fabric pen
sewing gauge
scissors
pins
thread
scotch tape
PDF skirt pattern (download here)


Print out two copies of the pattern, be sure to your printer is set to: Page scaling: NONE and CHECK the little box next to: Choose paper source by PDF page size. You'll end up with 4 sheets of paper.


On the pages labeled "2" - you'll need to extend the marks out just a little with a pen. I don't know why the printer didn't print it - putting a pattern on a PDF is something I had to learn tonight! I tried to do it once before, but it didn't work out. I still don't know all the tricks yet, but this pattern is correct except for those marks. Cut out all the patterns.


Tape together the "2" pattern piece to the "1" pattern piece - twice. Don't overlap the pages! You'll end up with two sets. Flip one set over and tape it to the other set - making one big pattern. Look at the pictures to see what I mean:


Lay the pattern on top of the fabric. Make sure the fabric is two-layers thick. You'll be cutting out two pieces of fabric at one time. Pin - I used a lot of pins! Cut around the pattern.

POST-IT-NOTE 2: You could use a large t-shirt you found on sale or recycle an old t-shirt - try using more than one t-shirt for a really unique look!


Place right sides together, then sew 1/2" seam down both sides of the skirt (I used a serger and just followed the edges, but if you don't have one that's okay!) . You'll end up with a large circle that has a "hole" in the middle. It looks just like a big pink donut, huh? Or am I just hungry?


Now you're going to make a 1/2" hem around the edges of the skirt. I normally use a Dritz Ezy-Hem gauge, but it's kinda hard to hem a curve with a straight edge, or one that doesn't curve enough. So what I did was to cut out a small piece of cardboard, traced around the curve of the skirt, and cut the cardboard along that curve. Then I measured 1/2" up with a sewing gauge, and marked the line using a fabric pencil.


Ta-da! Quickie hem gauge all done! It worked great too. I used it to iron a 1/2" hem all the way around the skirt and I'm very satisfied with the results.


Next sew a double stitch around the skirt. Here's how: I sewed about 1/2" from the bottom edge of the skirt, then I adjusted the position of my needle to sew another stitch around the bottom edge of the skirt about 1/4" up from the first one. You don't have to do the double stitch hem, I just think it gives the skirt a nicer look.


Here's how it looks so far:


This next step is measuring and cutting the tulle. You're going to do it the same way I did in my post: Cut Tulle QUICK and EASY!

I used some pink tulle I found online at Nashville Wraps. It matched perfectly with the fabric!


Use the 7" x 15" cardboard to measure and cut out 20 pieces of tulle. Check out my post: Cut Tulle QUICK and EASY for more details.


Set your machine to a long stitch (or a gathering stitch), and sew about 1/2" from the top edge of a the first piece of tulle. {Make sure you're working on the 6" width of the tulle and not the 15" length!} Before coming to the end of the tulle, overlap another piece and keep sewing until all the pieces have been sewed together using the gathering stitch.


Once that's done, you going to carefully pull on the long gathering thread until you've got the tulle the same width as the waist on the skirt - just like you'd gather a ruffle. Sorry I don't have a picture of this, but my camera was having a hard time focusing on the tulle! Now using lots of pins, pin the tulle to the right side of the skirt.


Sew right over your gathering stitch. Go very slowly and be sure to keep your tulle as straight as possible making as many adjustments as you need to. Look at the pictures to see what the skirt looks like once the tulle has been sewn on. Normally you'd remove the gathering stitch after sewing a ruffle on - but that is way too hard to do with tulle! I didn't even try since it's really not going to matter.


Next cut out your waistband. Cut two 3"l x 10"w pieces. Sew a 1/2" seam on one side. Wrap it around your little one's waist, and if it's too big cut about an inch off the width, and try it on her again. Keep doing that until it fits her waist nice 'n snug, then sew a 1/2" seam on the other side. Now iron open the seams, fold the waistband in half, and iron again.


With right sides together, attach the waistband to the skirt. Match up the seams and pin them first, then pin the rest of the waistband to the skirt (use lots of pins!). The waistband will be smaller than the skirt, so you'll have to pull the waistband slightly as you pin it to the skirt.


Carefully turn the skirt inside out, and following the stitch you made putting on the tulle, sew the waistband to the skirt. Serge the edges or use scissors to cut off the excess material - but be careful not to cut your stitches! If you do use scissors, I recommend sewing a zig-zag stitch on your raw edges.


Time for the last part! Lay your skirt down and make sure the tulle is as straight as possible. Following the curve of the skirt, cut the tulle about 1" past the edge of the skirt. This part really depends on you. You can leave it long or any length in-between!



All done! Wouldn't this be adorable to wear to a Birthday party?! Or just because!

Here's a neat sewing tip I learned while sewing knit: set your machine to a longer stitch - I use a 3.5 length. The material will slide through the machine much easier if you use a longer stitch. It does make a difference!

I created the pattern for this skirt by basically tracing around the one I purchased from Crazy 8 and adding a little bit to the length and width to account for seam allowances. It's a size 2T, but I think it'll fit Serenity for a while - it has plenty of room for growing. But if you'd like to make it bigger (or smaller), just add (or subtract) length to the bottom, and if you need to, on the sides (but be very careful making too many adjustments at the waist). Make small adjustments and hold up the pattern to your little one to get an idea of how it'll fit her before making any more adjustments.

I used the 6" spool of tulle because that's what I already had. You could use the tulle that you can buy by the yard too. Your piece would have to be about 120" wide to equal the width I used. Gather it the same way - by sewing a long gathering stitch. You don't have to cut the length 15" either - again I was working with what I already had and I just used my tulle template from making tutus.

How to Clean:
Hand wash or machine wash on gentle using "Green" laundry soap (okay, optional, but much better!) then hang dry. Or you can put it in the dryer on very low heat for about 10 minutes, then hang dry.

Y'all have got to go take a look-see at this absolute darling layered circle twirl skirt! It's made with tulle too and it's SO girly! I want to make one for Serenity - she will LOVE it!

Head over to Lusco Land to see the skirt she made for her daughter using my tutorial! She used black striped knit and pink tulle - a very striking & pretty combination!

I would like give a HUGE thank you to One Pretty Thing and Ucreate and The Crafter's File Box and Someday Crafts for linking this tutorial!

Have fun!