Making Diabetes Comfortable

We have our insulin pump start fast approaching and to prepare Ava we have been having her wear the pump around to get used to it. The only problem we have encountered is bed time. She has NO desire to wear it to bed and I don't blame it's a little bulky for a little one and she sleeps like a tornado always laying on her front back and sides the one night we tried it I went in after she fell asleep to find it on the floor. Now mind you it will be tethered to her which in my mind causes a bigger issue! Having to replace an infusion set when the darn thing gets thrown across the room ;) so I brain stormed some ideas with her a pocket in her jammies....NOPE, a stuffed animal....NOPE and pocket on her pillow....NOPE a comfy soft waist band to help reduce the bulk....MAYBE plus she can wear it under dress's and what not so really whats the loss?! Nothing! We will keep trying till it works for her but she is pretty pleased with her Yoga band pump holder :D It was super basic so I documented how I did it. Just in case anyone else out there needs one and has a talented friend or mommy to make it!

Yoga Band Pump Pouch Tutorial

Supplies: 16 inches of knit fabric
Velcro the softer the better some can be really stiff I happened to have some cheap quieter softer stuff

Sewing machine and what-nots - Insulin Pump or measurements will help too - if not Ava's is about 2x3 and about 1 inch wide (it's a junior size)

Cut fabric 16 inches by waist measurement plus 3 for Ava it was 16x23" (20+3)

1: Fold fabric in half so it's 8x waist and sew/serge long edge (my sewn edge was the 23 inch measurement)

2: Turn it right side out so now you have a long tube about 8x W (waist)

3: pres seam open or to one side if you serged it

4: fold with seam on the inside of the fold Serge or zig zag stitch the short edges shut - now it should measure about 4x W

Serged short edges

5: place pump in side long folded fabric and mark along the sides from top to bottom to create a pocket so the pump won't slide around the whole waist band

Pins mark where seam is going for pocket

Leave enough room on sides to accommodate pump width

6: Sew the top layers together minus the area you marked for the pump

7: sew from top to bottom where you marked for the pump pocket - mine isn't directly in the middle as I assume she will wear it to the side slightly but anything works it will end up being a tube really ;)

8: attach velcro to the back making sure soft faces in, scratchy out, I did an additional soft strip to make up for clothing and what not being on or off

9: sew velcro to pocket area to hold in pump leave room for tubing to stick out I did about 4 inches on a 6 inch gap.

PS She actually wants to wear it....so far!

DONE! Sorry if it 's hard to follow trying to zip through this to make it to the new story time hour :D Please email me if you have questions :D

Great beginner clutch or makeup bag

Finished product measures 8 1/4 x 5 closed on flat bottom

This fold over style bag uses very simple sewing technique to construct and very little fabric. It would be great for makeup, it's super light weight so you can keep it in your purse or luggage. Makes a quick easy gift..Bridesmaids perhaps!

Supplies:
2 pieces of outer fabric 9(W)x10(L)

2 pieces of liner fabric also 9x10
 **I used decor weight for both if your using lighter fabric cut 2 pieces of fusible interfacing 9x10 and fuse to wrong side of outer fabric

3-4 inch piece of cord elastic or 1/4 inch what ever you have on hand - a hair tie would even work :)

1 button any size or style just make sure you elastic will loop over it comfortably.

3/8 inch seam allowances (more then 1/4 less then half or any of those will be fine this one isn't seamstress science)

1: Sew outer pieces right side together along the length sides and bottom(not the top!) set aside

 Repeat step 1 for lining.

 

outer and inner fabric cut to 9x10

2: Press all seams open and line up corners for pleated bottom, measure 1.5 inches down from corner and make a straight line and sew along the line repeat for lining. Trim 1/2 inch from sewn lines press open with iron.

Pinned and marked 1.5 inch from corner seam

3: Place right sides together matching side seams. Pin along the top leaving a spot for a 3 inch opening in the front CENTER of the bag(either part is the front for now) for turning.Sew 3/8 inch from edge except for the 3 inch opening.

sewn top edge with 3" opening for turning

4: Turn bag through opening it will look like below....then gently push lining into outer, lining up all the seams and bottom.

turned with right sides out

5: Press top seam carefully lining them up and the 3 inch gap seam allowance. Form a loop with elastic placing raw ends in the gap in the center front of the bag (to find the center I lined up the side seams and pressed the center line with my iron) pin or hold elastic in place and begin sewing the top shut with a 1/4 inch top stitch from edge all the way around back stitching a couple times across elastic to secure. I added an additional small back and forth zigzag stitch to secure my tiny elastic loop ;) 

6: On the center front of the bag measure 5 inches down and make a mark. Sew button directly over you mark going through both outer and liner. Tie off button from the inside and trim ends(I used fray check to hold the knot, I  use it for everything ;)

Marked center and 5 inches from top for button

  Done!! Now make a bunch and enjoy!

Folded closed complete bag!

opened and standing on flat bottom

FREE Pattern - Crocheted Face Scrubbers

***Free Pattern***

Cotton yarn face scrubbers are great for cleaning your face removing makeup and gently exfoliating. Lather with mild face wash, scrub rinse and scrub some more. Gentle enough to not irritate skin and small enough to dry and re-use. When they get dirty just toss them in the wash. Environmentally friendly and way better for your skin then synthetic material. Quick and easy enough to whip up ton's for gifts like mothers day ;) wink, wink.

Supplies: 

Cotton worsted weight yarn(I use sugarncream) 

G hook (gauge isn't important just be consistent in hook size when making multiple)

Yarn needle, to thread in the ends

DC = Double Crochet

This is a great beginner pattern for working in the round too! 

Face Scrubber:

Ch3(counts as DC)

In 1st chain of ch3 (3rd from hook) 13 DC slip st to top of ch 3 to create a circle(total of 14 DC made)

Pull tail tight to close circle 

Ch2(counts as DC) 

DC crochet in same st as ch2, 2 Double in ea st around (total of 28 stitches including chain 2 ) 

slip stitch to top of ch2 cut yarn and tie off 

Weave loose ends on the back side to finish and press flat (you shouldn't have a cupping problem if you do get them wet lay them flat to dry)

Your done!!!  How easy! Tie them up with a little tag and it's a great easy gift!Or use them for your beautiful self...Soft enough to use for cleaning little ones too.

Don't Crochet?! These are being listed @ www.adoremade.etsy.com =) gladly do custom colors too!

Toddler Sun hat

the little lady photo by: The Mrs.

 I pinned the pattern about a week ago and hit up the fabric store (girls trip) yesterday and bought a bunch of fabric that I had loosely planned for but it's all so fun and springy I thought "hey I should make that hat" so I started it last night and wouldn't you know we woke up to a blanket of snow :O just how my world turns....oh well the little lady is already planning on having one for every outfit for out beach trip in April :D these are addicting so unless you have the time don't even attempt! For your sewing pleasure I am linking the pattern I came across and the sew along I happened to find which is waaaayyyyyy easier then the way the book says it should be done( I am referring to this pattern also being in the Oliver and S book) 

Pattern and instructions: http://www.melaniefalickbooks.com/storage/STCCraft_OliverS_BucketHatPattern_.pdf

Sew along (highly recommended) : http://alittlegray.blogspot.com/2011/08/lttsa-bucket-hats-part-3-look-no-hand.html

photo by: The Mrs

I am a PERFECTIONIST so I pressed and pressed every seem and top stitched every inch of the hat possible. It does run a little small too! I made the large for my very averaged sized small headed three year(who are we kidding almost FOUR!) old I think it will last her a couple years though but totally wearable xoxo enjoy!

Not a sewer?! Check out www.adoremade.etsy.com

Matilda Who ;)

Matilda Jane's Knit Pants

My Version :D

I am super excited about today's outfit/ DIY!!!! I was recently invited to a Matilda Jane trunk show....while I was perusing their website and making a wish list I came across these adorable Strawberry Lemonade pants only exclusively available(whatever that means) and I remembered the pink stripe knit fabric I have been holding onto since I scored about a yard of it at an estate sale this summer for 50cents! I have not made an actual garment from knit fabric but for 50 cents how can you go wrong?! I am however fortunate enough to be the owner of a killer craigs list deal serger(not to be confused with craigs list killer;) so really why wasn't I sewing knits long before today!!!

Label- says made for a special princess :)

SO I set out with my basic pant pattern my .50 cent knit fabric and my handy serger and I did it!! Complete with funky little brown label! Matilda Janes website is a never ending inspirational site. I still plan to attend said party and maybe purchase some adorable pricy things for the little lady ;) other wise I will be making my own version of their ruffled pants!

So once again before you buy why not DIY!

DIY your own Matilda Jane Knock off Pants: all you need is knit fabric and a pants pattern and a little courage OH and some inspiration www.matildajaneclothing.com


Tips for sewing knits use a serger!! If not pin like crazy twice what you would normally pin. I had no issues with the fabric what so ever :O shocked still!

5 dollar, 5 step Mod Skirt - Tutorial! 18 mo. to 5T

Color block skirts are back and oh so modern! I have seen a couple of tut's on how to make one but I didn't want to get down with the fussy time consuming waste bands, love the results of the more time consuming ones, but a lot of people aren't brave enough to attack all that (ruffling especially, which is one of my favorite things!). So this is my Easy, Cheap and Fast version which is just the way I like it ;) Enjoy! 

Supplies: 2/3 yard Solid Fabric for skirt body(pictured in peach), 1/2 yard contrasting fabric for hem(pictured in lavender), 1 1/2 inch wide elastic(gives it a more waste band feel, helping it lay flatter), thread, safety pin,pins, sewing machine, rotary mat and ruler.

Cost break down 2/3 yd.  fabric 1.97, 1/2yd. fabric 1.50, 1 1/2" elastic 1.37@ Wal-mart.

Sizing:
18/24 Skirt: 9x18 Skirt Hem: 7x18 Elastic: 17
2T     Skirt: 10x19 Skirt Hem: 7x19 Elastic: 18
3T     Skirt: 11x20  Skirt Hem: 8x20 Elastic: 19(the size I made for the tutorial)
4T      Skirt: 12x21 Skirt Hem: 8x21 Elastic: 20
5T      Skirt 13x22  Skirt Hem: 8x22 Elastic 21

**These measurements have not all been tested they are based of US sizing charts(and tons of trial and error sewing skirts for my little one). For best results measure your little one for elastic(minus 2" from waist measurement for proper elastic fit) and length, ie: skirt+hem- seem allowances of approx 2" will give you an idea how long the final product will be. If you have questions as always feel free to email me :)

1: Cut Fabric according to above sizing with a rotary cutter, ruler and self healing mat - strip cutting works best with a rotary.

2 pieces 11x20 for skirt body & 2 pieces 8x20 for hem (3T)

2: Sew short ends of skirt together set aside, sew short ends of hem together. Press all 4 seems open with an iron. Fold hem wrong sides together length wise and press (a-lot!)

Wrong sides folded together to create a 4x40 hem band

3: Pin hem to skirt right sides together(either side of the hem is technically the right side) make sure your matching up raw edges when pinning, and lining up seems. Pin every couple of inches to keep the layers of fabric from shifting while you sew. Flip hem down press raw edge up towards waist and top stitch.

Top stitched

4: Fold top down about a 1/4" while pressing with an iron, fold down another 1 3/4"' press with iron. Stitch closed about an 1/8 inch from edge leaving a 2 inch opening for the elastic.

Elastic casing and opening

5: Feed elastic through the opening with a large safety pin(I like to use a straight pin to hold the other end of my elastic to the fabric so I don't lose it while I am pulling the other end through) sew elastic together with a zig-zag stitch reversing to secure at the beginning and end, even out fabric around the elastic and sew opening closed!!!!!! Your DONE 5 Bucks and 5 steps to a great MOD skirt!

I think she lurv's it!
The important stuff! Please do not re-use this tutorial as your own idea - you may however share it all you want and are more then WELCOME to sell any finished products you make using this tutorial(if you have the time and patience to do so!)

Celebrate Winter * FREE Pattern *

Celebrate Winter

Today was the mother of all storms so far this winter(school canceled, foot of snow, horrendous winds 60+mph and now rain!) ,  I thought why not crochet up something cozy for an up coming baby shower(flavor not known). I know from experience that working with this chunky yarn in a very small size can yield a pointy hat so I toyed around with it a little bit and found that this method is the best way to get a nice flat round top :D Enjoy my first ever published pattern....I have more patterns in the works!
I guess the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree. My mom and I operate a little Etsy shop BendBeanies.etsy.com (she writes patterns, I occasionally sell finished items - if I ever finish them ;)  But it looks like I am moving on to writing patterns as well! This was fun and if you try it let me know how it turned out!!!
Happy Winter!And Keep those little ones WARM*****

Super Easy and Fast, Soft, Warm Infant(Nb-3m.) Ear Flap Hat 

This works up in less then an hour!!!

Supplies: Hometown yarn or super bulky (6) yarn, size K crochet hook, and a large tapestry needle (the plastic ones seem best for BIG yarn)

Pattern: Abreviation DC = Double Crochet

Ch 3 

Row 1: In 3 ch. from hook 7 DC  join with Slip Stitch (8 double crochet)

Row 2: Ch2. 2DC in each DC around (16DC) Join with slip stitch.

Row 3: Ch2. *DC, 2DC* Repeat in each st. Join with slip st.(24DC) Join with slip stitch.

Row 4: Ch2.DC in joining stitch DC in ea stitch around join with slip st. 

Row 5 -7:DC in ea stitch around(25DC) (for a total of 7 rows, not including foundation row of ch 3.)

Do Not Cut Yarn - begin first ear flap. - *also make sure hat is measuring at what you need before going on to ear flaps see end for final hat measurements*

Ear Flap 1

Ch2. DC in same ch2.  DC in next 3 stitches (4DC)

Ch2. Turn. Dc2tog, Dc2tog cut yarn and tie off (first ear flap done)

Count 9 stitches and tie on(the 9 stitches is for the front of the hat(the back should have 8), in-case you want to add a flower or something, or so it doesn't go on backwards;)

Ear Flap 2

Ch2. DC in same ch2.  DC in next 3 stitches(4DC)

Ch2. Turn. Dc2tog, Dc2tog. DO NOT CUT YARN 

Ch1. Single crochet around entire hat and slip stitch in Ch1. Cut Yarn and tie off

Weave in lose ends.

Braided Ties:

Cut 6 pieces  of yarn  approximately 24 inches OR double the length you want (be sure to leave room to loop through and knot the braid)

Fold in half and pull loop through between the 2 DC2tog on the ear flap and pull all 12 tails through the loop, give a good tug(making sure you yarn loops over the outside of the ear flap)refer to picture.

Braid with groups of 4 strands together. and tie in a knot(mine might look different because I used a clear tiny hair tie then wrapped yarn around it just to see how it would hold up;)

*Finished hat should measure about 7.5 wide laying flat and 6 inches tall(not including the ear flaps) Adjust hook if needed.

TA-DA! It's fast, easy and warm! If you have questions feel free to comment or contact me :D