Simple As That

If I had known I could organize my necklaces so easily, I would've done it much sooner. I'm sure this idea isn't original and I'm not necessarily convinced it's all that genius, but it definitely beats tossing them in a box and having a mess of tangles to deal with every time I accessorize.  

Six nails (give or take). A hammer. The back of a closet. Done. The perfect place for practicing mixing and matching your jewelry. You never know what adorable combination you may happen upon.  

So wonderfully easy. And pretty too I must admit. How do you store your necklaces? 

Happy Monday all,

How to Make a CD Case

Remember these handmade dvd/cd cases from awhile ago? I have finally made a tutorial for those of you who had asked for my pattern. Here is how I make them... First, iron your fabric and fold it so right sides are facing. You'll need about 11 inches by 13 inches worth of fabric (before folding it). Cut out a paper pattern using the dimensions below: Use the pattern as your guide for cutting your fabric to the perfect dimensions. Once the fabric is cut, pin it together. Sew around the outside with a half inch seam allowance. Don't forget to leave a two inch gap on the long side, just about an inch below the highest corner. Tip: When you reach the corner, before turning, leave the needle down, lift the foot and turn the fabric, then place the foot back down and begin sewing the new side. Don't forget to reinforce with a backward stitch right before and right after every turn. The photos above and below are my weak attempt at showing my corner turns. Hopefully it makes sense? Before flipping the fabric right side out, you'll want to trim the corners with a scissors. See below... Turn right side out. And poke out the corners using a sharp tool. This is a good time to test for size. Use a cd to figure out how far over you want to fold the fabric. Iron the fold and pin... Stitch the two sides leaving an eighth of an inch seam allowance. And ta-da! You're done! Put a cd of your favorite music in it and wrap it up for someone special.  

If you have questions about this tutorial, please let me know via comment or email and I'll do my best to help you. Happy sewing everyone...

Scarf Tutorial as Promised

Circle Scarf Ingredients:

3/4 yards of fabric 54'' in width (from selvage to selvage)

or 1.5 yards (54") any width cut to 27" would be even better!

Matching thread or non-matching if you wish

Fabric Scissors

Measuring tape

Sewing Machine (or just a needle if you're going to hand-sew)

Needle

Fabric pencil or chalk

To be completely honest, the fabric I bought is a decorating fabric and so is of the 54" wide variety. It was pricier than I expected so to save money I bought only 3/4 of a yard. If you choose to do this, you'll have to follow this tutorial from Step 1 to the finish. If you found a fabric you loved and were able to buy a whole yard and a half no problem, then you can join me at Step 4 and follow along to the finish.

Step 1

Fold your fabric in half from selvage edge to selvage edge and iron a crease.

Use your fabric pencil to trace the crease and then your scissors to cut on the line.

This will divide your material into two equal pieces with a selvage edge on each piece.

Step 2

Place your two pieces right sides facing each other. (Important: Your selvage edges should not be touching.)

Step 3.

Pin and sew from one selvage edge to the other selvage edge leaving a .75" seam allowance. This will give you one long piece of fabric. It should be nearly 54" long now and 27" wide.

Step 4.

Fold the fabric in half right sides facing so when it's folded and laying flat it looks like it is 54" long and only 13ish" wide. Match up the seams you made earlier for the cleanest look. It helps to iron down those seam wings as you see in the photo below.

Step 5.

Pin and sew the long edge leaving a .75" seam allowance. When you finish with Step 5 you should have a long tunnel of fabric wrong side out.

Step 6.

Start pulling one end of the tunnel through to line up with the other end so that right sides of the fabric are facing. This is a difficult step to explain so if you have a question feel free to ask me in a comment or in an email (feminineuniquenew@gmail.com).

Step 7.

Pin and sew together leaving a 3" gap. I like to put pins in an x at the point where I need to stop sewing. This way I don't accidentally sew my scarf shut!

Step 8.

Through the gap pull the scarf slowly right side out. After this step your scarf is nearly finished with the exception of the 3" hole along that seam line.

Step 9.

Blind stitch by hand the small opening closed. 

Step 10.

Iron if you wish... or be done. You can wear it hanging long or wrapped around twice. Either way you'll love it! 

Happy sewing everyone...

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Loving Circle Scarves Anyone?

Hope you'll stop back to see it. And maybe even make your own!