DIY Beach CoverUp

Here is a simple tutorial on how to make a beach coverup using a scarf. I bought this light scarf at Value Village for $3.99. It is double the size you see in the photo. I cut it half and serged the ends.

I then sewed the two edges together using a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

At the very top, I double folded a 1/2 inch hem and then sewed it in place all around leaving a hole for the elastic. I placed an elastic band through the hole and voila!

PIN WIN: Knee Socks For Boots

This is one of my favourite pins. When I saw it, I knew I had to make it because I wear a lot of boots in the winter so I couldn't pass that cute look of long socks without all that extra bunchiness going on!

Here is the original pin (without pattern):

Here is what I made:

So pretty and warm!!!

This is the cable pattern I used:

Cotton yarn

Size 4 needles

Stitches: multiples of 7 + 3

Cast 56 stitches

Row 1: *P3, K4 (repeat)

Row 2: *K4, P3 (repeat)

Row 3: *P3, K4 (repeat)

Row 4: *K4, P3 (repeat)

Row 5: *P3, cable (repeat)

Row 6: *P3, K4 (repeat)

Repeat rows 1-6 until your desired length.

PILLOW FORM

When I made the pillow cover from the Quilt-It Kit, I did not buy a pillow form and made my own by sewing together two 15in x 15in squares using a 1/2in seam allowance. I then stuffed it with polyester fiberfill and VOILA!!

Here is a wonderful tutorial on how to make basic pillow form in different sizes!

SCRAPPY STRING QUILT

Here is my first hand at a scrappy string quilt!!!! After trying the Nine Patch block, I wanted to try something different! I began doing the scrappy blocks in December during my university break. Then in July, I sewed the blocks together [6 inch squares] to make 12 inch blocks and added the brown sashing. Today I finally finished it!!! It measures 34x34, has no batting in between so I can use it to dress a table. I'm quite happy that it turned out well even though I cut everything by hand with scissors! The one mistake I soon learned from [after the first block] was not to take the paper out of the back after you assemble the 4 squares together to make one block. Sew everything with the paper and only after the sashing is on, take out the paper. It's quite a bit of a pain but it makes sewing easier and it's completely worth it.

Here are some helpful links to those who are looking to start making their own scrappy quilt:

Scrappy String Quilt Instructions

String Quilting Primer!

String Quilt Tutorial from Sewtakeahike

PRETTY, HOMEMADE, PERSONAL BUSINESS CARDS

I always wanted to have my own business cards and after graduating with my M.A degree, I figured it was the perfect time to get them done to show off my titles. I was also growing tired of scribbling telephone numbers and 

e-mails in pieces of paper.

I saw online ads that offer 250 business cards for free and you pay only shipping and handling, but two reason were stopping me: 1) I don't know what to do with 250 cards 2) I don't have a credit card. 

Being creative, I knew I could make my own cards! But how? I knew I wanted something pretty, inexpensive and I wanted to control how many I had. I realized that I had a box of perfume cards that I collected over the years at the mall. Why not use them? They are FREE, come in stiff paper, different shapes and sizes and I can pull out different ones every time!!!

After sorting through HUNDREDS of fragrance cards- men and women fragrances- I headed to Microsoft Word and 

I printed out dozens of cards!  

I absolutely love them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

So if you want to be creative, are looking for a cheap alternative to expensive business cards, reuse those pretty perfume cards!!!

For those interested here is a quick tutorial!!

1) Trace the outline of the card on piece of paper. Place the sheet in your printer.

2) Open Microsoft Word. Type your information in small font [size 7, 8, 9 depending on the size and shape of the card]. 

3) Set the colour.

4) Eyeball the position of the writing with the outline of the card.

5) Print it out. This first printout will help you figure out any adjustments to be made. 

6) Once you made your corrections, print it out again. 

7) If the printing is at the centre of the pencil outline of your card, you are ready to print on the cards!!!

8) Place your perfume card on the pencil outline using masking tape.

9) Print!

TIP #1) It is good to have extra cards in case you mess up- and you will mess up, believe me!!!!

TIP #2) If you like your cards to smell pretty, spritz the perfume and let it dry before printing.

***These cards are strictly for personal use only. No infringement intended***