DIY Taggie - Quick and Easy

I have 2 friends that have both had babies in the past 2 months. I wanted to make something for them but wasn't sure what. Then I remembered how much Colin LOOOVED his taggie that my cousin bought for him. Taggies would do!! 

They were so quick and easy to make. I think each one might have taken an hour from start to finish. Possibly a little longer, but then there are A LOT of interruptions around here! ;)

The size doesn't really matter but you want them to be small enough for a baby to hold and handle. They are NOT for covering but cuddling and playing.

WHAT I USED

Scraps of flannel in 2 different patterns/colors

2 different colors/styles of ribbon (you can use many more if you like)

First, I cut the flannel into rectangles. The squares on the mat are 1 sq inch to give you an idea of size. 

Then I cut the ribbons in 7" pieces. You really don't need them that long but the longer the are the more anchored they are. 

I used 11 pieces of one color and 10 pieces of the other. How many you use will depend on the size of the blanket. 

Next, fold the pieces of ribbon in half. With right sides together, insert the ribbon in between with the fold on the inside. I put mine in about 2". Pin it all in place.

Make sure to leave a space to turn the blanket right side out. 

Next, sew it all together. You can use any stitch you like but one that is somewhat reinforced is best. 

Now, turn it all right side out and press!!! 

Take one more piece of ribbon and insert it in the opening, pinning in place.

I sewed a decorative stitch all along the edges to close the gap, make it sturdier AND prettier. ;)

Now you are ALL DONE!!! You have a pretty, one of a kind gift!

You can make them in different shapes and styles, different colors, whatever suits your fancy.

             Let me know what you think!!! Are you going to make one???




                                            HAVE FUN SEWING!!!!

Christmas in July! A Book Cover Tutorial

I am very proud to be a part of Stringtown Home's Christmas in July! YAY!!!!! For my part I am going to show you how to make a cute book cover for a gift. :) They are very easy to make and you can customize them for your friends and relatives by the different fabrics and embellishments you use.







What you will need -

1/2 yard of main fabric (will make both covers)

1/2 yard of contrast fabric (will make both covers)

Any embellishments that you might want to add

Hot glue gun to add embellishments

Step 1 -



Take out a large book and use it as a guideline when cutting. When you cut leave about 3/4" at the top and bottom for seam allowance. The measurements are about 23" by 11".

Step 2 -



Make sure that your fabric will cover it just right, with the sides going over the cover of the book.

Step 3 -



Use the part you just cut as a pattern to cut your contrast fabric.

Step 4 -



Remove the cat from the fabric and dust off the cat fur.... SIGH.....

Step 5 -



Pin your main fabric to your contrast fabric, right sides together. Then sew the seam on 3 sides, leaving one end open.

LOL! You can see my messy pin cushion! I always end up with tangled threads in it!

Step 6 -



Turn right side out and press.

Step 7 -



Fold in the ends that you left open about a 1/4" and press.

Step 8 -



Top stitch along the top of the entire cover.

Step 9 -



Cut 2 pieces of your contrast fabric 10" long by 6" wide.

Step 10-



Fold over the side edges 1" and press. Fold down the middle and press. Top stitch down both sides.

Step 11-



Place your handles where you want them and pin, making sure NOT to pin the flap that is tucked inside the book.

Step 12-



Stitch your handle end on with it facing down toward where the spine of the book would be. Do that to all 4 ends.

Step 13 -



Fold the handle end over the part you just stitched and top-stitch it into place. Do that to all 4 ends.

Step 14-



Fold over the ends of the book cover and press. Pin in place and stitch just down the sides.

Press.

ALL DONE!!!! :)



Hmmm... Looks like my handles are a little off.. I'll have to fix that....

The small book covers are even easier. Follow the same steps but omit the handles. :)

So, what do you think?? Would they make good presents?

As always, let me know if the tutorial was easy to follow or not. And I am always happy to answer any questions! :)

Thanks!

And thank you to Heather!! This was so much FUN!! :) This was my first ever guest slot! :)