tutorial – Page 3 – Preciously Paired

DIY: Framed Pegboard Jewelry Holder

posted in crafts, diy, home, tutorial by Sara on March 17, 2014

DIY Pegboard Jewelry Holder | by Stripes and Polka Dots

I hope everyone has been experiencing the beautiful spring weather that we’ve been getting! I think we went for a walk or to the park almost everyday last week. I could just live outside! The sun is shining, flowers are blooming, and the world seems to be coming alive again. Living in Oregon you never really know how long the sunny days will last so I try and soak up every minute of it! In light of the beautiful weather, over the weekend I even whipped up this cute little springtime skirt for my daughter (an easy sewing tutorial included).

Today, I wanted to share this easy pegboard jewelry holder that can be made for under $10. For under $10 it is a fun way to organize and display your jewelry, or whatever you decided to use it for. I have a larger one of these in my sewing room that holds all my thread, sewing accessories and crafts– they’re wonderful! Here is what you’ll need:

Supplies:

– pegboard (I found mine in the scrap bid at Home Depot)

– floor board casing or trim (THIS is what I used)

– liquid nails

– wood glue

– paint (optional)

After you have all your supplies, the first thing you’re going to want to do is cut your pegboard down to the size you want. I cut mine to be 24″ x 20″. If you wish to add a fun pattern or paint your pegboard a bold color, do this next. Hanna and I, along with our sister-in-law, actually made up a bunch of these cute pegboards to sell at a craft fair last summer and they were a big hit! Click HERE to see more of the pegboards and for different ideas on what to use them for.

Once you have finished painting your pegboard, set it aside to dry while you construct the frame. To measure out the size of the frame, first measure in about 1/2 inch on your pegboard and mark it with a pencil on all four sides. Then measure the distances between each mark (they should equal the length and width of your pegboard minus 1 inch). Now measure out one of those distances on your trim and with an angle ruler, draw a 45 degree angle on each side extending out. Repeat this step for each side of the pegboard, then carefully cut your trim along each 45 degree angle. You should now have the four sides to your frame. With the wood glue, glue the frame together and allow the glue to set overnight. After the glue is dried completely, you can now attach the frame to your pegboard. Do this by spreading the liquid nails around the outside edges of the pegboard then place your frame on top to align with the 1/2 inch markings. Press down firmly on the frame for about 30 seconds then set the whole project aside on a flat surface to allow the glue to finish drying.

My grandma had a huge box full of pegboard hooks, which is where I got mine. But, the cheapest place I’ve seen them for sale is on Amazon, or you can find them at most any hardware store such as Home Depots or Lowes. I also found this cute wire basket on Amazon which opens up even more organizing options using these easy framed pegboards! The possibilities are endless!

Linked to:
http://elizabethjoandesigns.com/2014/03/designs-time-no-1/
http://justagirlandherblog.com/hit-me-with-your-best-shot-11/
http://www.madincrafts.com/2014/03/mad-skills-party-199.html
http://www.sohosonnet.com/link-it-or-lump-it/link-it-or-lump-it-sunday-link-party-31/
http://thediydreamer.com/from-dream-to-reality/110-share-your-projects/

Homemade Laundry Soap

posted in diy, home, money saving tips, tutorial by Hanna on March 12, 2014

There seems to be a tutorial or recipe out there for just about any cleaning supply. I’ve never been one to quickly jump on board when I can just buy something for the same price or just a little bit more, especially when it will save me time. However, after watching my mom make her own laundry soap for the last couple of years and how much she is saving I decided I needed to give it a try. Not only does this laundry soap save money but it’s easy to make and works great for washing whites, colors and everything in between! Who’s ready to take the jump with me?

To make this you’ll just need a few supplies.

– 4 lbs Borax

– 4 lbs Arm & Hammer Washing Soda

– 4 lbs Arm & Hammer Baking Soda

– 3 bars of Fels-Naptha Soap

-large mixing bowl

-fine grater

– air tight container

*Just a tip, I was able to get all the supplies to make this in the laundry section at Walmart all pretty close to each other. It makes it that much easier!

Combine all the ingredients into a large mixing bowl. Using the fine side of a grater, grate the Fels-Naptha soap bars. Mix everything together and store in the air tight container.

Use 1/2 cup for a large load of laundry.

One batch filled three of the smaller containers that I used. It also lasts me around 4-6 months with doing laundry a couple times a week for a family of four.

Now that I’m trying some new things, I’d love to hear of other cleaning supplies that you’ve made that I should try too!

Linked To:

http://sparklesandastove.com/things-pretty-linky-party-51-features/

The Nautical Striped Maxi Dress {Tutorial}

posted in diy, sewing, tutorial, women's fashion by Sara on March 11, 2014

Now that I’ve given you a little taste of this 3/4 inch sleeve maxi dress, I know you’re just dying to learn how to make one for yourself. So without any further ado, here is what you’ve all been waiting for… the tutorial! But again, before we can talk sewing we need to discuss measurements and pattern-making. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: don’t let this step scare you! If you’re a bit new to pattern-making just take it slow, be patient, and double check your measurements– you’ll do great! The measurements that you’ll need for this maxi dress are outlined in the diagram below:

Once you have all your measurements, you can start drafting your pattern. I used sewable tracing paper that I found on Amazon for $14.21 to make my patter on, but feel free to use whatever you have (crate paper, newspaper, muslin, etc). There are 3 pieces to the dress that you will make a pattern for: the top, the skirt, and the sleeves. Remember to add about a 1/2 inch to all of these measurements for seam allowance and an addition 1 inch to all hems.

To create the 3/4 length, gathered sleeve follow the pattern below. This pattern only depicts half of the sleeve so as you are cutting, be sure to place the long edge of the pattern (shoulder to elbow measurement) along the fold of your fabric. Before cutting, also make sure that the stretch in your fabric is lined up across the sleeve not down it. For the skirt part of the dress, simply take half of your waist measurement then draw an A-line to the bottom of the hem. The length of the skirt should be your “waist to hem” measurement plus 1 1/2 inches for the hem and seam allowance.

Now onto the sewing! With right sides together, pin and sew both shoulder seams. I like to reinforce my shoulder seams with a small piece of ribbon. This step is not absolutely necessary but it definitely gives the garment more durability. There is nothing worse then spending time making something to have it come apart after a couple of wears and washes. I’m tough on clothes….I have a two year old….so I add in reinforcement!

Before you attach the sleeves, you’ll want to create the gather in them first. You do this by first marking the middle of each sleeve. Since I added an extra 2 inches (remember the sleeve pattern was folded in half) I measured 2 inches out from the center on both sides and placed a pin to mark it. Then, sew a basting stitch from one outside pin to the other. Pull on the bottom string to gather the fabric until you no longer have the 2 extra inches. Top stitch over the gathered fabric to hold it in place, then attach the sleeves to the armholes. If you are unsure of how to do this, follow the method I use to constructed the “Slouchy Tee“.

For of the bottom of the dress, sew the side seams of the skirt together. I don’t like clothes to be super tight around my mid-section so I measured my waist a couple inches bigger, then added a thin elastic band around the middle to give the dress a nice belted look. If you feel it is easier, you can forgo the elastic waist and make your maxi dress all one piece. That is what’s so great about sewing your own clothes… you can customize the pattern to how you like it. If you choose to do the elastic waist, cut a piece that is several inches smaller than your actual waist measurement then sew the two ends together to create a band. With the right sides together, line up the bottom of the shirt with the top of the skirt and pin the elastic band around the waist. As you sew all three pieces together, pull the elastic flat.

At this point you should have what looks to be a maxi dress. Now simply finish off the neckline and hem the sleeves. To finish off the neckline, I used the neckband method. The tutorial for adding a neckband can be found HERE. To hem the sleeves and bottom of the dress I used my twin needle on my sewing machine. If you’re using a stretch fabric for this project, you’ll want to do the same.

Thank you for following along, and I wish you all the best of luck! I hope you found this tutorial to be helpful. Please comment below or email me if you have questions or need a little guidance…I’d be more than happy to help!

Linked To:

http://thewinthropchronicles.blogspot.com/2014/03/share-it-link-party-105.html

http://www.madincrafts.com/2014/03/mad-skills-party-199.html

Sneak Peak: The Nautical Striped Maxi

posted in diy, inspiration Monday, sewing, tutorial, women's fashion by Sara on March 10, 2014

The Nautical Striped Maxi Dress Tutorial

We’re about to get real serious with this sewing project people! Ok not really because lets face it, no sewing project I do is all that serious. I am the easy, simple, whip-it-up-in-a-couple-of-hours type of girl when it comes to sewing. But one thing that I am serious about it how much I love this new creation of mine. I’ve been itching to make myself another maxi dress, but one with sleeves so I didn’t always feel like I had to wear something over it or under it. I’ve seen many different gathered-skirt maxi dresses on the racks this season and think they are so cute. The construction looked simple enough so I thought I’d give it a try (I’m one of those weird people that always looks on the inside of garments to see how there were made).

I started with a fairly basic top with 3/4 length sleeves. I added a little gather at the top of the sleeves to give the dress some feminine details. For the bottom half of the dress, I planned to do a gathered skirt but quickly realized that a gathered, voluminous shape around my mid-section didn’t flatter my body all that nicely. I instead went with a nice A-line bottom with a thin elastic band in the waist. And instead of my usual solid fabric, I decided to step it up a notch with this bold nautical stripe print fabric from (you guessed it) Girl Charlee Fabrics. Overall…perfection!

There is just something wonderful to be said about making your own clothes. I love having the freedom of seeing something that I love and then being able to take that inspiration and customize it to fit me and all of my wants. For all of you beginner sewers out there reading this, let me say something to ease your frustration: mastery does not happen over night. It has taken me months and months of practice and failed projects to finally be able to sew more carefree. I still make mistakes and have much more to learn, but with time and practice I hope to expand my sewing capabilities. Just remember, be patient with yourself and with the process– and keep sewing!

Tomorrow I will be posting the tutorial on how to make this simple, yet classy maxi dress so don’t miss out! Be prepared to learn, be inspired, and ask questions! I can’t stress enough how much we love to hear from our readers so please leave us a note!

– SARA

Linked To:
http://www.thegirlcreative.com/2014/03/09/sunday-best-link-party-3.html
http://www.craft-o-maniac.com/2014/03/craft-o-maniac-monday-link-party-10.html
http://www.sewcando.com/2014/03/come-link-up-its-craftastic-monday-link.html
http://watchoutforthewoestmans.blogspot.com/2014/03/watch-what-im-wearing_9.html

5 Minute Jewelry Update

posted in crafts, diy, food, tutorial by Sara on March 3, 2014

After a long and busy week, my husband and I decided we needed a good family outing. If you know us, we’re both homebodies and we like to relax. We’re not your go-go-go kind of people. So, as you can imagine our idea of a nice family outing is one where we can have fun while relaxing with one another. We decided to drive to Tillamook near the coast of Oregon and visit my husband’s grandmother. We don’t make it out there as often as we would like too, but it is always a treat. We had a wonderful visit, ate delicious food, and got spoiled rotten. If you should ever find yourself in Tillamook Oregon, don’t think about leaving without visiting the Tillamook Cheese Factory to sample cheese and eat truly the best ice cream ever! Also, if you’re looking for a good bowl of clam chowder, the Blue Heron Deli has it mastered. Let me put out a disclaimer that I am in no way receiving any compensation for promoting these places, I am just a connoisseur of great tasting food.

On to other matters, I have a simple tutorial for you guys on how to give your jewelry a quick update. I mean simple as in you take a piece of jewelry, give it a few coats of spray paint, then wah-lah out comes a jewelry transformation! It is really that simple, but delivers very satisfying results. I took a wood bead necklace that I hardly ever wear and gave it a whole new look. The wood bead necklace by itself never really fit in with my style, but now it’s a real statement piece. I dare you to give it a try!

We’d love to see your creations, so send us a picture of your refashioned piece of jewelry at stripesnpolkadotsblog@gmail.com.

– SARA

Linked to:
http://www.dreamalittlebigger.com/post/link-lump-link-party-28.html
http://www.craft-o-maniac.com/2014/03/craft-o-maniac-monday-link-party-9.html
http://www.create-with-joy.com/2014/03/inspire-me-monday-week-113.html
http://www.thegirlcreative.com/2014/03/02/sunday-best-link-party-2.html
http://justagirlandherblog.com/get-your-diy-on-trash-to-treasure-projects/
http://iputabirdonit.blogspot.com/2014/02/linkn-blogs-14.html
http://www.thelifeofjenniferdawn.com/2014/03/a-little-bird-told-me-link-party-81.html

DIY Slouchy Tee Tutorial

posted in diy, sewing, tutorial, women's fashion by Sara on February 10, 2014

If you can believe it, Oregon (at least where I live) received nearly 9″ of snow over the weekend! I grew up around plenty of snow, so it is nothing new to me but it was quite apparent that it is to Oregonians. There was not one snow plow in site, people where shoveling there driveways with flat head shovels, and businesses and schools where closing left and right! My husband’s school was also canceled on Friday so we took advantage of the snow and went sledding…at least we attempted to. After playing in the snow and a quick trip to the grocery store to stock up on food, we hunkered down for the rest of the weekend. For me that meant lots and lots of sewing! With some fabric that I got from Girl Charlee Fabrics, I whipped up another one of my favorite slouchy tees. This shirt is so simple to make and so comfortable to wear! Here is what you’ll need:

Supplies:

– 1 1/2 yard of knit fabric

– coordinating thread

– twin sewing needle

– ball point sewing needle

– pins

– fabric scissors

– measuring tape

– custom made pattern

I made my shirt using a serger but any basic sewing machine will work great. Whether using a serger or a regular sewing machine it is best to use a ball point needle as it will make sewing with the stretchy knit fabric a breeze. Using a regular/universal needle may cause skipped stitches and create holes in your fabric. Also when looking for fabric to use look for knit fabric that has a four-way stretch (meaning that it will stretch both horizontally and vertically). I’ve used different types of knit fabric in the past and none seem to give as good of result as a four-way stretch fabric. The fabric I used has a nice drape plus great stretch and recovery.

After you have all your supplies, it is time to make your pattern. Don’t let this step scare you! Making a pattern is simple and can be accomplished with a couple measurements and a few simple steps. I drew my pattern on sewable tracing paper, but you can use whatever you have (newspaper, crate paper, muslin, etc.) Below is a little diagram and description of how to get the measurements you’ll need for your shirt and how to create a pattern based off those measurements.

A is the length of the shirt plus 1/4 inch for seam allowance and 1 inch added to the bottom for the hem. (Ex. I wanted my shirt to be 24″ so I made my pattern 25 1/4 inches in length)

B is the circumference of the shirt divided by 2. To find the circumference, measure the widest part of you then add an extra 4 inches. These extra 4 inches includes the seam allowance and gives the shirt a nice flowy drape. (Ex. My hip measurement was 38″ + 4″ = 42″. Since the pattern only portrays one side of the shirt I divided that number by 2 to get 21″)

C + F is the length of your sleeve. To get this measurement, measure from your collar bone to your wrist. Then add 1/4 inch to that for the seam allowance and 1 more inch at the bottom for the hem.

D is the circumference of your bicep. Divide that number by 2 and add 1/4 inch for seam allowance to get your measurement for D.

E is the circumference of your wrist. Again divide that number by 2 and add 1/4 inch for seam allowance. **Note that lines F must be placed on the fold of your fabric. Do not cut where the pattern says “Fold”!

Finally, cut out your neckline to your liking. If you are unsure of where to make your cuts for the neckline, grab a shirt that you like the neckline on and lay it over your pattern as a guide.

When your pattern is completed to your liking cut it out and lay it over your fabric. I folded my fabric in half so I could get the front and back of the shirt in one cut. Then line the sleeve patter up on the fold and cut out each sleeve. If you are not using a four-way stretch fabric, make sure to cut out your fabric so that it stretches horizontally across the shirt and sleeves.

Now it is time to start sewing and in just 4 simple steps you will have yourself a custom made top! To get ready for constructing the tee, switch your needle on your machine to a ball point needle and adjust your settings to a stretch stitch. Again I used my serger for this part but I’ve highlighted above on my sewing machine which setting is a good stretch stitch to use if you are using a basic sewing machine. Most machines should have this stitch (the zig-zag stitch right next to the stitch highlighted is also a good stretch stitch to use).

1. First, line up your fabric with the right sides together and sew both shoulder seams.

2. Next you will attach the sleeves to the armhole. To do this, open up the shirt with the right sides facing up. Match the bottom of the armhole with the top of the sleeve. Flip the sleeve over so that the right sides of the fabric are together, pin, and sew.

3. With the sleeves attaches it is time to sew together the side seams starting at the one end and continuing to the other end. Again make sure right sides are facing each other and lines are matched up if you are using striped fabric.

4. Now we will finish off the neckline by adding a neckband (if you prefer another finishing method feel free). First, roughly measure the opening of your neckline then subtract 3-4 inches off that number depending on how stretchy your fabric is. Making the neckband smaller than the actual neckline with allow the neckband to lay flat. I cut my neckband 1 1/2″ wide and 17″ long. Once you have your neckband cut out, sew the ends together with the right-sides of the fabric facing one another. Then fold the the fabric in half with the right-side facing out and iron. Now you are going to pin the neckband to your shirt opening. Remember that the neckband is smaller than your actual opening so you will have to stretch the neckband as you pin and then sew. To finish it off, simply iron the neckband so it lays flat.

5. Lastly, hem the sleeves and bottom of the shirt– this is where your twin needle will come in handy. Once you’ve measured and pinned your hems, sew using the double needle on the top side of the fabric. If you don’t have a twin needle that stitch I highlighted above on my sewing machine is a great one to use.

Linked To:
http://www.create-with-joy.com/2014/02/inspire-me-monday-week-110.html
http://watchoutforthewoestmans.blogspot.com/2014/02/watch-what-im-wearing_9.html
http://www.thegirlcreative.com/2014/02/09/sunday-best-linky-party-3.html
http://www.sewcando.com/2014/02/craftastic-monday-link-party-magazine.html
http://gracelangdon.blogspot.com/2014/02/making-monday-27.html
http://www.craft-o-maniac.com/2014/02/craft-o-maniac-link-party-6.html
http://diyshowoff.com/2014/02/09/diy-party-time-2/
http://www.niftythriftythings.com/nifty-thrifty-sunday-142/
http://www.delineateyourdwelling.com/2014/02/link-it-or-lump-it-party-no-25.html

DIY Numbers Pouf: Land of Nod Knock Off

posted in crafts, diy, home, sewing, tutorial by Hanna on January 22, 2014

I have an on and off again relationship with floor poufs…or at least the idea of them. I see them all over and honestly I love the look and functionality but then I see that not so lovely price. I can already see my husband trying to figure out some rational explanation to why I need to spend so much on a pillow. By this point I begin to think of a way to make one. Quite frankly this is as far as I usually get until last week when I decided to kick it into gear and make one.

My inspiration came from Land of Nods own numbers pouf that I have had my eye on for quite sometime.

Is anyone else in love with Land of Nod or is just me?

I basically have been using their magazines as my inspiration book for future DIY projects.

Anyway, I used this super easy-to-follow tutorial from Living with Punks. Because there already is a tutorial listed there, I’m not going to do a full one. I, however, made my pouf bigger and stitched together the sides to make 9 panels for the corresponding numbers. I’ll guide you through the different things I did so you can create your own numbers pouf.

My material list:

– 3 yards of fabric
– 2 packages of pre-made pipping
– black fabric paint
– number stencils on cardstock (numbers 1 through 9)
– 50 oz. Fiberfill

I started by cutting 9 rectangle panels for the side of the pouf that were 8.875″ x 13″. Then I sewed all of them together using a straight stitch and 1/4 inch seam. After sewing all 9 panels together, I ironed all the seams open. *If there is one things I learned about sewing it’s that ironing everything you sew will make it look MUCH nicer.

For the number stencils I just made them using “Old Standard” font and printed them out on cardstock so they were about 6 inches tall. Once those were all cut out, I used the black fabric paint and a foam brush to stencil a number on each panel.

While that was drying I cut out the top and bottom circles for the pouf, measuring 23.75 inches in diameter and sewed on the piping. I’ll admit that this was my first time working with pipping and I was a little nervous about it. Come to find out, it’s one of the easiest things to add. I ended up laughing at myself for ever thinking it would be hard.

The finish pouf came out to be about 23 1/4 inches wide and 12 1/2 inches tall.

What I love most about this numbers pouf is that it’s clean and modern while still having a “kid” element with the numbers, so it could work in any room. Since I haven’t decided on a specific place for it yet, I’m thinking our floor pouf is going to float between our very bare and empty living room, our family room where it will could be used as a foot stool, and also the playroom to give the girls something to sit on.

– HANNA

Linked To:
http://www.sewmuchado.com/2014/01/we-did-it-wednesday-188.html
http://www.thethriftyhome.com/2014/01/221st-penny-pinching-party.html
http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/2014/01/whatever-goes-wednesday-206.html
http://thediydreamer.com/from-dream-to-reality/101-add-your-projects/
http://myfashionforwardblog.com/things-pretty-44/
http://staceyembracingchange.com/2014/01/23/creative-inspirations-linky-party-features-30/
http://www.thepinjunkie.com/2014/01/friday-link-party-51.html
http://www.delineateyourdwelling.com/2014/01/linkn-blogs-9.html
http://thewinthropchronicles.blogspot.com/2014/01/share-it-link-party-99.html

Category: tutorial