Fleece Cuffs Tutorial

I found a cute mitten and hat set for little A a while back.  But...the mitten cuff doesn't cover much of her wrist, which is especially problematic in the snow and these cold New England days.

I realized it would be pretty easy to sew a longer cuff and attach it, but hadn't gotten around to it.  Then, today, we saw something similar to what I had in mind, and I wouldn't have to sew it to the mitten (score!).  For the $12.99 price, and the very simple design, I knew I would be making up a few pairs when we got home.  

The thumb hole holds the cuff in place, and the cuff is long enough to go over her sleeve.  Problem solved!  

Think you want to make some too?  This is a VERY simple sewing project - even the most beginner can do it!

You'll need two pieces of fleece.  For the kids' size, I did 6" x 6", but you could alter to make longer.  Just make sure you cut the width measurement along the stretchy grain of the fleece.

Next, finish the ends (the stretchy sides).  Really, you don't have to with fleece, but I always prefer the look.
If you don't have a serger, read on - I'll show you how with a regular machine, too!

Fold cuffs right sides together and sew the long edge (length).

Make a scant 1/2" snip on the fold 1/2" down from top edge.  

Turn right side out.  That's it!  You can wear these under gloves or mittens, or simply as fingerless mittens.  On the website of the brand we saw at the store, they make the point that kids can tuck in sleeves with these cuffs, put their coats on and STILL zip up independently!  Genius!

If you are serger-less, here's what you can do:

Zig zag top and bottom edges.  Set your machine to zig zag and turn the handwheel until the needle is on the far right of the stitch. Place your fabric under the presser foot up against the needle.  Now, when you sew, the zig zag will encase the raw edge of the fabric.  

Right sides together, simply sew the long edge with a 1/4" seam.  No need to finish.  Snip the hole and turn.

These are my size, so the measurements are 7" wide and 8" long.  I cut the hole about an inch down from the top and about an inch wide.

The very best part about these fleece cuffs?  Little ones still have access to their thumbs!  

Stay warm!

Handmade Fabric Doll for Miss M.

Our friend turned one at the beginning of January.  What better way to recognize this milestone than with her very own dolly.

This one looks just a wee bit like Miss M - blonde hair, blue eyes and super cute all over!

Her eyes are hand-embroidered, courtesy of this tutorial over at Sublime Stitching.

 I love these little feet - just like our friend who is about to master cruising all over!  And, the dress fabric is a sweet corduroy print my aunt sent from her stash (I should say, she sent along WITH her stash - all 70+ pounds of it!).

I hope Miss M. loves her dolly as much as little A. loves hers (see here).



Crafting for the holidays

The holiday season is upon us, and I love this time of year for so many reasons - especially having an extra incentive to create for friends and family.  I feel a bit like an elf these days, working on varied projects for the girls, for a few small craft fairs, and gifts.  This year, BabyE has had an influx of requests and orders, and it has been fun coming up with new projects and ideas to fulfill different wish lists.

First up on this mini-roundup, part 1, is the Snow Blossom Hat from Made by Rae.  Here's little A modeling hers, complete with dimples and two front teeth.  Although the straps were tricky to turn, they are VERY worth it as this is the only hat that will stay on her head!  Thank you, Rae!

Next up, a few crochet flower headbands for this past weekend's crafty open house.  (By the way, with all the creating I've done lately, I have few photos apart from my blurry phone ones to show the new and improved craft table set-up.  While not a project to sell or give away, it definitely counts on my list of recent creations.)  I saw similar headbands up in VT a few weekends ago and got that familiar "I can make those!" feeling - so I did!  I love the simple cotton yarn and color combinations.  And, they really are cute for young and old alike.

Lastly, a new apron design for BabyE.  Usually I do simple aprons, but a friend requested a "waitress" style for her little girl who loves to play restaurant.  It was really fun checking out different styles and ideas on-line.  I found this one and figured out how to recreate it for a smaller size.  The lace edge is vintage and has been sitting in my trim drawer just waiting for the right project.

So...just a few of the many projects pouring out of my little sewing and crafting space these past weeks. 

I just picked up the new Amy Butler book and am looking forward to picking out a holiday project for my sister-in-law (Sharri, read no further!).  I also found this one which I really like, so I guess Amy and Lisa will have to duke it out for my vote.

Happy Tuesday!