Pattye Duffner's Blog

Update with Pillow Covers

 

I put some of these goodies in my etsy shop... easy updates to a room by adding COLOR! 

Halloween 2010

 
 
 
 
 

back to school in style

 

I used this pattern and made way too many of these skirts out of left over fabric from pervious projects.  I am not much of a clothing maker, I do love to sew but I always say I can only sew a straight line.  So when I do something you know anyone can do it.  I followed the pattern and it worked!!!  I added some covered button hair ties for a little girl’s matchy matchy complete outfit.  And let me tell you at 8 Ella is being so kind and saying she loves them and wants to wear one on the first day of school.  I scored a point here…

 

Ella turns 8! One sweet party

With 4 brothers you are truly the princess not only on your birthday but everyday.  Happy 8^th birthday princess Ella. 

    
 

You plan your own parties, make all the decisions and run the show.  I love that about you.  You wanted an all sweets party this year.  Paper invites attached to large lollipops hand delivered to your friends was the beginning of a sweet day.

 

I made small pink cakes frosted in white for all the girls to decorate, aprons with candy fabric and a table full of your favorite sweets.  Happy Birthday, I love the person you are.   

 

Pocket Pillow

Making a pillow case with a pocket on the front is fun for the kids to add some goodies… flashlight, batteries, book, journal, pen, slippers what ever!  This has been a birthday party gift for a few little ones.  Could not be easer!

Mario Party Birthday Party: Happy Birthday Braeden!

 

Kicking off the event with a postcard invite mailed out to his favorite friends. 

 

For Braeden’s 6^th birthday bash he wanted a Mario Party Party!  We had traditional birthday party games with a twist.  Ie: 

Hot potato with Mario music and using “bull dog”  pin the wii remote on braeden (painted an outline of him sitting with his hand out) kids made paper wii remotes and pined them on.

Gunny sack races with bags in the symbols of the Mario Bros characters hats… M  L  etc.   Simple cone hats and a bit of paper crafting turned them into themed hats. 

Braeden worked weeks ahead of time making all the decorations that we hung on the windows.  Hand made drawings off all happenings in the Mario Party world. 

Mustaches, Kettle Korn and Shave Ice topped off the party that would not be completed with out a fabulous cake!

How to make a dress out of 1 yard!!!

 

 

 

 

The One Yard Dress

Materials needed:

1 yard of fabric

Thread

Ribbon

¾” elastic

Top of dress

Fold down ¼” and finger press

Fold down an additional 2” and finger press to make casing for elastic

Pin and sew

Bottom of dress

Cut to desired length

Fold up ¼” and finger press

Fold up an additional 2” and finger press to make hem

Pin and sew

This is where you can get creative with the bottom, add ribbon trim etc.

Sew up side seam

Insert elastic with safety pins to hold into place

Add ribbon for straps

 

How to make a modern baby (or big kid) quilt

 

This modern baby quilt was made for Holden before his arrival.  I have finally finished a tutorial on it so here you go…

I started with 11 different fabrics in bright and fun colors and scales.  Cutting them into 2.5”, 3.5” and 5.5” wide strips.  Random is the key to this quilt.  No order, no direction, no wrong way! 

Sew together

Cut into 6” wide panels. Flip, sew, flip sew…

Cut 6” sashing from another fabric

 

Quilt as desired.  I had it quilted f a local quilt shop with using variegated thread and an adorable star pattern.

Bind your quilt with yet another fabric! 

 

273 and counting

273 blankets in 2 weeks... countless e-mails to coordinate all of it... 91 volunteers...728 hours of service...273 babies will feel comfort because of your generous donations of time and materials.  91 people celebrate at disney for a day!  Way to go!  Binky Patrol is going to deliver in So Cal...

 

I am expecting a ton more this is only the beginning... stay tuned. 

SWAMPED!

I am more then swamped right now… please excuse my absence for blog world for a while.  The “Give a Day. Get a Disney Day.” program has kept me so busy with the Binky Patrol.  If you want to visit Disneyland or Disney world this year and would like to donate your time to the Binky Patrol please look into it!  There is more then likely a Binky Patrol near you. 

 

I do have a couple of fun sewing projects (a quilt for baby Holden and a valentines skirt for Ella) to post about.  As well as baby updated photos (I know you all love that) and our home made valentines.  I will be back soon!

Gift ideas

Getting ready for Christmas around here includes party planning, Santa’s lists, and crafting, shopping, card making along side the every day jobs.  Having a new baby in the mix too!  This year I am going to find 1 thing to make and hopefully it will work for a number of gifts.  Teachers, nieces, friends, sisters etc.  While I am searching I wanted to share some of  years past handmade holiday ideas…   Hopefully I will get on schedule soon, running behind this year!

 

handmade crayons

letter blocks

 

chalk board mat

personalized score cards

 
 

Could not be easer ruffle apron

 

Having a ruffle foot for your sewing machine can make a quick gift.  A ruffled apron for the holidays can make kitchen duties a bit more fun. 

·   Cut the skirt piece 23” x width of fabric (mine was 44”) two times.

·   Attach 2 pieces together (this makes center seam)

·   Finish edges ¼” under on three sides (leaving top unfinished)

·   Cut 6” x width of fabric two times for waistband.

·   Fold waistband in ½ sew edge and flip thru for finished edge. 

·   Attach skirt to waistband with ruffle foot. 

This turned out so easy and cute I think I may try to make some children’s ones for the next birthday party Ella is invited to. 

It is possible to make without a ruffle foot, simple hand ruffle before attaching to waistband. I like to start in the center and work my way out from there.

Party Banner

 

This week on Rick Rack I show you how to make this easy party banner.  With the large sizzix die cuts and some adorable fabrics it is a snap!  Don’t forget you always get the step by step instructions and you can e-mail me for any additional information anytime.  Hope you enjoy it!

baby clothes quilt

If you have ever wanted to turn your children’s old baby clothes into a quilt here is your free how to.  This week on Rick Rack I am doing a 2-part lesson on how to make a memory quilt from your children’s old baby clothes.

Spring Table Runner

This week on Rick Rack you can learn how to make a fun spring runner... hope you enjoy it!

 

 

Happy Birthday Braeden!

Braeden turned 5 today and for the 3^rd year in a row he did not want to change to the next age…  Last year on his birthday it was a sore subject to say he was turning 4 and this year he is feeling the same way.  He wants to not turn 5!  This just makes me smile, this is so Braeden.  I tell him that is fine he can be any age he wants.  No one is making him grow up.  I am glad he has his very own opinion on what he wants… 

 

His birthday party was a blast.  The book theme went as planned.  The only issues were that I had a house full of sick kids the week before and I was not up for any last minute planning so I am glad I had done what I had before.  I turned target t-shirts into "brown bear brown bear" iron on shirts.  Party hats were made out of old books.  The food was all the food in the book "Very Hungry Caterpillar".  Read books.  Made bookmarks.  We played musical chairs, hot potato, pin the hat on the cat, and had a piñata…  I found these book bags and the decorations that I did not make from Highsmith, a library resource on-line.   Breaden loved it and so did I.  Happy birthday baby Braeden, I love you.   

 

Rick Rack

I am excited to share with you a new adventure I am doing…  VirtueRadioNetwork.com's on-demand sewing shows RICK RACK.  We are taping new shows every two weeks with easy, sharing simple sewing solutions, tips and projects for the busy woman who loves to sew.  Full instructions and step-by-step are on the web site… This week’s episode is about making a reversible ½ apron.  I even have the instructions on there if you want to make one for your little one.  Get your sewing machines out and come play with me! 

Scrappy Quilt

  This scrappy quilt was defiantly one anyone can do in one day…  I used the extra charm squares (5” x 5”) from baby Davis’ quilt and added some 5” x 14” rectangles to make this pattern.  Being random with whatever scraps I had.  After finishing the center panel I did the border with 3 “ strip of blue and the final border was with anything I had cut into 5” wide.  I backed it with a cream piece and hand sewed on the scattered alphabets.  Ella had a big hand in this quilt; I have officially decided she is ready to join me with the Binky Patrol!  If you do not know what the Binky Patrol is please check it out…

 

Have a super hero day!

I did not finish these in time for Christmas this year so I gave them to the kiddos today on Valentines Day.  They had so much fun running around being super heroes.  Ella loves that show “Word Girl” so she kept calling herself that when she wore it.  Braeden and Quinn were a bit more aggressive as could be expected… right?  I could imagine a bunch of kids running around with these on for a birthday party, how fun would that be?  Next I need to make Jerry and I some… super Mom and super Dad.   Also Captain Drool (aka Davis) should have one too!

 

 

 

07: Handmade Holiday Bed Pockets

Trying to figure out what to give a sister that has everything…  I made her and her husband a little something she could fit between her mattress and box spring.  It holds 2 magazines on each side as well as her glasses, ipod, tissues, paper pens, remote control, even a flashlight if needed.  This was super easy to make after a lot of planning.  I am not sure what I enjoy more about making these goodies, the planning and figuring out how it will all come together or the fabrics or the actual sewing???  I took the width of their mattress and added 24 inches to each side.  Sewed up an 18” fabric band.  Folded up the ends to make the pockets and stitched the seams to finish it off.  This would even be fun to make for a college student… If you are interested in more detailed how to let me know and I will make one.  Christmas countdown…

04: Handmade Holidays Crayon Apron

If your little one likes to color as much as mine do this crayon apron is a handy way to hold your crayons…

Materials Needed

Two pieces of 13 ½ ” X 17 ½ ” for the body

One piece of 4 ¼” X 13 ½ “ for the pocket

47 ½” of decorative ribbon

Thread

 

Matching the right sides of the body fabric, sew together ¼ “ seam allowance along the 2 long sides.  Fold the pocket in half long way, press and sew together.  Unfold the pocket pieces and press.  Cut and sew on decorative ribbon to front of pocket along the length. 

 

Aligning raw edges on both sides.   Input the pocket to the body.  Leaving a ½” opening on both sides for turning, sew the sides together.  Make sure to catch the pocket, turn right side out and press. Cut the remaining decorative ribbon in half.  Topstitch around the apron ¼” from the edge including the ribbon ties on the topsides.  Sew from top to bottom every 1 ½” to divide the pocket into sections. 

 

03: Handmade Holidays Grosgrain Ribbon Belts

Making belts out of different widths of ribbon is an easy and quick Christmas gift. Two lengths of 1 ½” ribbon (waist size plus 9”)  Sew one end around 2 1-1/2" D-Rings. Hem one end of the belt by folding it over twice approximately 1/2" each time. Stitch across the hem to finish and you have it! You can even layer the ribbon to get different color combinations.  Simple, quick and easy. 

01: Handmade Holidays

With the amount of people we buy for at Christmas time I have to be creative in order to stay with in budget and still give.  8 brothers and sisters, in-laws and countless nieces and nephews (30 plus at last count) all ranging in ages, teachers, friends…  I have decided to make as many gifts as I can.  I will put them all in one category called Handmade Holidays for easy reference.  They will all be simple and inexpensive, with four kids to keep after I need to start now! 

Girly Handbag

Crazy Hat Day

Making a felt crown out of recycled felt was something I have wanted to do for a while now.  When the kiddos came home from school telling me next Friday is “crazy hat day” I knew I had to make one.  Using the store craft felt and some scrapbooking felt I sewed directly on the two shades of pink with the flower and rhinestone embellishments to finish it off.  I am thinking the baby will need a blue and red one for his first birthday…

Hair bands...

What to do with a little girl and her hair in her face?  Ella was so happy to help me make these easy hair bands for her and her cousins.  They were made from scraps of fabric with a reverse side of a coordinating fabric.  They simply tie at the base of the neck showing the 2 sides.  I made them 40” long 2 ½” wide at the ends with the point being 4 ½” finished.  If you are going to make these goodies, you will need to add ½” all around for seam allowances.  Or if your little one is smaller maybe take away some inches. 

Kids Recycle Too…

   

Taking their used juice boxes and turning them into bags, pencil bags or change purses is a cleaver way to include your kids in your newest recycling craft project.  Cut them open and cleaning them out is your first step.  You are able to use the one juice box for two sides.  You will then sew together your own “fabric” out of this material.  Adding straps or zippers will finish up this unique bag.  This gets my mind spinning what else could we use as “fabric”… potato chip bags???  Water bottle labels???  This opens up some new possibility…

Hand made with love

Appliqués are simple cut outs that are applied to a base fabric.

Fusible web (sold as Stitch Witchery, Heat N Bond and other trade names) melts to adhere the fabrics together. Fusible web is available in various weights. Although it may seem like a heavy bond, I still sew the edges. Heavy bond will be stiff after it is melted. Lightweight bond is preferable when doing appliqué.

To be sure that the fusible web will adhere to the fabrics, wash the fabric before starting the fusing process. Always read instructions that come with the fusible web.

Once the process to adhere the fabrics is achieved, the raw edges of the appliqué must be protected or enclosed if the item is going to be laundered. Machine or hand stitching are my preferred method to protect the edges of the appliqué.

Mixing different fabrics to achieve a fun animal complete with a button eye and the tail wrapping around the back, made up this shirt for Ella for her dinosaur fieldtrip.  I also made the kiddos some to wear on their birthday to school with their age on it!  Quinn loved the scull and cross bone fabric for his number 7.. “Very cool Mom”.  Oh I hope he thinks this for a long time.  I can wish right?

Back To School...

Putting the kids names on their backpacks is something I try to do every year in a different way.  This year I did an easy back stitch over a piece of paper.... when I was done I tore off the paper to see the name!!!

Jelly Roll Done!!!

The baby quilt is done!  I have been working on this project since March… Yeikes I am slow.  But this was a labor of love.  I shared with you the fabric precut into a Jelly Roll and how excited I was to get it going here.  Just in time for the arrival of our newest addition.  Even though it is in the 90s here maybe this winter the new baby can use this quilt.  I did not fallow a pattern after all; I felt the pattern I was going to use ended up being too busy (even for me).  So after sewing and cutting and sewing and cutting and sewing and cutting I ended up with this pattern.  I had it quilted at a local quilt shop, which they did an amazing job.  The quilting is “ABC and 123”.  I hope this blanket inspires you, it sure has inspired me to make another one… soon!

 

 

 

Baby Rags

Making custom baby rags is another check off my list.  I made these for all the babies when they were born and I wanted to share them with you... 

Super simple how to:

1. Materials Needed
2. Store bought cloth diapers
3. Extra Fabric

I cut and sewed on the fabric with white thread and made sure to add the extra stitching to the center panel to match the existing panel.

 

I finished the edges differently of them.  Some had edges that were folded in to that is was a clean edge.  The other edge I did was a frayed edge.  I simple sewed the fabric panel directly on top of the diaper and cut the edges every 1/2 inch.  Washed them and the edged them became frayed!

 

Chalkboard Mats

I finished the “ boredom buster” chalkboard mats for the kiddos. Some people use these to keep their kids occupied when eating out or Dr. offices.  We do not eat out much with the kids but we can bring these when we do.  They are easily cleaned off with wipes.   I made 3 of them so I can give them to Quinn, Ella and Braeden when I am in the hospital and they come to visit.  This was another simple project but I had never worked with chalkboard fabric or oilcloth so it took a bit to get use to.  Hopefully with these tips you will be successful! 

I was eager to make a few so I bought 3 yards of each the front and the back.  After making 3 I have a ton left over so if you plan to make 1 or 2 don’t buy too much like I did…  I cut the oilcloth and the chalkboard fabric 12”x17”, I wanted minimal waste.  I put the correct sides together and sewed around the edges leaving an unsown part to pull thru.  Then stitching again around the entire project to close the edge and finish the edge.  You cannot iron this fabric… well I did not even want to try! So I pushed the edges from the inside with one hand to make sure I would get a straight edge…  I did not want to use pins either, thinking that would make holes.  I used some binding to hold on the chalk.  I next punched a hole in the binding and added an eyelet for the ribbon which was the tie to close it.  I think ribbon could do that job as well!

The only thing I may try next time is to use some deckle scissors and sew the edge wrong sides together (one time around only would be quicker as well).  Pulling the project inside out was a bit challenging.  This fabric is not very forgiving. I would love to see yours if you try it… E-mail it to me J   

Nursing Apron How To:

Nursing apron is done!  One thing that I can check off my list.  My endless list of things to do before I have this baby is getting done slowly.  I have made this nursing apron for myself… I am not much of a clothing sewer but I think this is not really clothes right?  It was easy enough here is how I did it…

Materials needed: 2 yards of decorative patterned fabric (one on each side) I made this one reversible.  17” of boning.  ¼ yard of 3^rd decorative fabric (for strap).  2 silver “D” rings for strap.

I simply sewed the right sides together like you would if making a pillowcase.  Leaving an opening, I pulled through the fabric.  Ironed and sewed around the entire rectangle again.  Cut the fabric for the strap 4” wide and sewed the right sides together again.  Pulled the fabric so it was correct, ironed and re-sewed the edges (just like above just a different shape).  Cutting 3” off one side for the “D” rings I used the remainder for the other side of the strap.  This made it adjustable.   I then folded down the entire top of the apron 1” and put in the boning.  I added the boning so that when I am wearing it and nursing I can see the little guy but no one else will.  Finishing the edges of the straps I simply turned them into a point and sewed them to the apron. 

Here is the list of projects I still need to finish or even start before d-day… which is by the way about 4 weeks away!

Burp rags, pacifier holders, quilt, boredom buster for older kids and shirts for the older kids to wear to meet the new little guy… I think that is it!  Yeikes.  Pray for me J

Jelly Roll

Have you heard of the latest craze in quilting??  It's the Jelly Roll, and NO it is not a donut!  This is much more exciting than that!!

This kind of Jelly Roll is made out of fabric (that got your attention, didn't it?!)  And not just any fabric...each Roll contains 40 perfectly cut 2 1/2" strips of fabric...perfectly coordinated from a collection of Moda fabric!!  Retailing around $30.00 each.

Imagine creating a quilt without even having to cut your own strips!! WooHoo!!

Lots and Lots of quilt patterns are built around 2 1/2" strips.  I had to get my hands on one and I got one for my birthday!  I was so excited!  I have started the quilt and here is the pattern I am doing for my first one.  It is the Dick and Jane Collection.  Vintage inspired fabrics with colors that will be perfect for the new baby boy!  Now I need your prayers to get it done in less then 10 weeks in time for the baby.

Monster Mash

I am so excited to plan the Halloween Party for my sons classroom.  From now and then I will post the ideas that I plan on using.  If you have any additional ideas please share them.  Today we found a fun site with Halloween games and activities that Quinn just loved!  I thought I would take the coloring sheets as a back up activities incase the original station activities run a bit short, or in case someone would rather color then to what I am going to plan.  You never know with little ones right?  I am planning the party to have four different stations where five kids at each will rotate.  Hoping that I can get four Moms to help, one at each station.

The craft station will be these Gauzy ghosts...

It takes practically nothing to make this family of mischievous sprites.

CRAFT MATERIALS:
	Different-size plastic milk jugs or juice bottles
	Laundry starch
	Aluminum foil
	Paper towels
	White gauze or cheesecloth
Time needed: Under 1 Hour

1. Top each jug or bottle with a ball of crumpled aluminum foil.

2. Cut white gauze or cheesecloth into 18-inch squares (one square for each ghost). Dip the gauze squares into a bowl filled with laundry starch. Pull them out one at a time and squeeze out the excess moisture. Drape a square over each bottle.

3. To shape the ghosts' shoulders and arms, loosely pile crumpled aluminum foil near the bottle and drape the gauze over it. Flare out the lower edges of the gauze and let dry overnight. (To make a dog, simply drape a small square of gauze over shaped foil.)

4. Once they've dried, carefully lift the ghosts from their bottles. They should stand freely on a flat surface.