tutorial – Page 3 – Cecelia's Spot

Fun and Stimulating Toy Name Blocks!

I’ve been looking for a toy that offers a variety of sensory activities through textures, sounds, and touch.

After making these squares, which by the way are FABULOUS for pictures, my little one couldn’t stop playing with all the ribbons, buttons, and laughing at the fabric and textures while sitting in her car seat. What a great toy not only for entertainment, but for learning and increasing intelligence! Not to mention it makes an amazing gift!

Here is the Youtube tutorial:

If you would also like to follow the written then here goes:

What you will need: FABRIC, buttons, ribbons, polyfil, optional bells or rattle

fabric: There are six sides to each square. You can chose your colors and textures. You will need six squares for each letter you are making. In this case, I used four letters for four blocks and six different pattern pieces with all different textures and patterns. This is the fun part! You can of course color coordinate for a boy or girl; however, I chose to do fun patterns that I knew my little one would love to look at, catch her attention, and also advance her imagination.
So there are six sides to the blocks so I picked those fabrics and chose my size for the blocks to be 6×6 and cut out four of each fabric I wanted to use. This is also great if you have extra scrap pieces you want to use up.
Next, you want to cut out your letters. I did this free hand. I used extra felt I had sitting around! Once completed, sew them on the fabric you would like for each block.
Now you want to setup your pieces to
make your block. Put the letter in the
center and surround it as shown with your
other fabrics. You may want to have the same pattern
for each block or different spots for each
fabric square
Start sewing pattern pieces facing
each other. Take top piece and put pattern facing inside on the letter and sew the top edge, then continue until they are all sew together as shown below. Do this for all your blocks.
If you want to add ribbons, buttons, or
any other accessories this is the time to get
those together! So now you want to decide where to sew them. You can choose different spots on each block or the same!
Sew the ribbons on facing towards the inside of the block. If you do the opposite they will be on the inside instead of the out!
Start by sewing right sides together of two
blocks. Take the top square and fold down and to the left. You will line up the left side of the top block to the top side of the left block. Then sew. Continue this around using the letter piece as the bottom part of the block. The pattern of the fabric should end up in the inside of the block.
Continue around until you have all sides except one sewn together.
For the last square, Sew each side around but for one side leave a 2-3 inch opening so you can pull the right side out. Don’t forget to back stitch well!
Okay! Almost there! So now you want to turn your block right side out. So reach in there and pull the fabric through. Then use a pencil, pen, crochet needle or what not to poke out the corners and make them shapely.
Next, grab your stuffing, in this case polyfil, and start filling.
You can put a bell or rattle in the inside of the block!
To do this I put it in a small ziplock bag that is sealed with some air so that it has room to rattle around instead of being stuck in the polyfil. I actually have been saving the twist off tops of the food pouches and used them in a bag to make some noise! So if you are going to do this try and put this in the center of the block then stuff around it.
Lastly, close up that hole! You can do a whip stitch or invisible stitch or even use your machine.
Ta-Da you are done! Great job….take some pictures and share!

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Reversible Lace Baby Sunhat!

Are you looking for a cute sunhat to shade your little one from the sun?
Well, this matching reversible hat is the perfect one! It works great for pictures and photo shoots as well. The hat is also an easy pattern that can be completed in under an hour. The hat really completes the outfit as you can see above!!!

You can look back at my last tutorial on how to make a peasant dress to make a matching dress.

What you will need:

The free pattern here: sunhat 001
fabric (can do one color or two)
lace and or buttons (optional)
scissor
matching thread

For the people who enjoy a visual demonstration, below is the YouTube video. Following that, is the written and picture directions.

Okay, first you need to cut out your pattern pieces. You need 8 crown pieces and 4 brim pieces. If you want two different colors for each side then its half in one color half in the other!

Next, you take two of your crown pieces and place them together with fabric patterns facing each other. Pin and sew down one side. This is what it will look like unfolded.

Then take another piece and place on one of the two pieces sewn together. You again want fabric pattern to fabric pattern facing each other. Then sew the one side. Do this until you have four pieces. Once you have all four pieces sew the four side together as well.

And WA-La! You have your first crown hat completed. Now start the process again with either the same color, or if you are using a different color scheme on the other side of the hat use that. Complete another crown.

One you have the two crowns, you want to line up two of your brim pieces with the patterns facing each other. Sew the small short ends together as indicated on the pattern pieces. Then do this for the other two pieces as well so you have two full circle brim pieces.

Next, you want to connect the brim pieces to the crown pieces. You do this by magic. Hah, no just kidding, you face fabric to fabric again and sew around the edges.

Then you will end up with two formed hats! Trim around the seems.

Next you want to make 2 into 1!!! So to do this, you need to place fabric to fabric again. So put one hat inside out and line up the outside brim pieces again. Remember to match up the seems of the crown and brim to each other. Pin, then sew around the outside leaving a 3 inch opening. This opening will allow you to turn the hat right side out.

Once completed turn right side out by pulling the fabric through the opening.

Now, you want to sew that hole closed. To do this, fold in the edges and either press or pin to stay. Then sew it closed baby! Press the seems

So this is your hat. If you want to add a button or lace continue on.

I decided to add lace to match the peasant dress tutorial completed last week.

Line the lace up with the brim and pin. Then just sew on! AND WA=la! Beautiful matching hat complete!

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Peasant dress tutorial!

Peasant dresses are perfect for any age! The elastic on the top and through the sleeves allows the dress to fit for much longer than most clothes. There are also many ways to customize the peasant dress.

I love the dress because it’s easy to put on my little one. It stretches right over her head and I dont have to deal with the fuss and fight that sometimes comes with putting on onesies. Also, at home I use cloth diapers and it’s easy to just throw the dress on and she just needs the diaper underneath! Of course I do this with regular diapers as well, but it looks so cute with the colored cloth diapers! She seems to really enjoy the fabric too! She enjoys playing with the design and discovering her feet and how the two things she is learning are her feet can kick the lace :op

So, lets get started…

Here is the free pattern for sizes 4-10months (it stretches). If you want a bigger or smaller size you can scale it down or hold the pieces up to one of your child’s dresses and adjust the sizing

Below are the four components- don’t forget set printer option to print to actual size.

Here is the youtube tutorial for you to follow:

Or you can follow below:

Print out the pattern and trace and cut as directed. If using a pattern on the fabric make sure it is all going in the correct directions.
Line up one body piece with pattern facing up to one sleeve with pattern facing down. Pin and sew. Do the same for the other sleeve.
Next you want to take the other side of the sleeve and line it up with the other body piece. Put pattern side to pattern side so it fits. Sew both sleeves. Now you should have looking like this:
If you want to zigzag stitch on all edges to prevent fraying when washing, now is the time. If you have a serger, by all means use that now. This is not required but is helpful to prevent fraying. See the video for more information on zigzag stitches.
Next you want to form the pockets for the elastic for the sleeve and necklines. I am using 1/2 inch elastic and folding the fabric edges about an inch in. If using 1/4 elastic then you can fold in 1/2 inch. I also press to make it much easier to sew. See picture below.
Now you want to sew the bottom part of the sleeves down the long side but leave the small edge sides open for the elastic. Then sew the neckline leaving 1 inch or so open. Usually I do this towards one of the seems so its not as noticeable when you close it. This will be to put the elastic in. So sew all the way around leaving a one inch opening. Remember to backstitch.
Next, use a safety pin and pin the end of the elastic. Put the pin through the opening at the end of the sleeve and pull through. Bunch the fabric over the safety pin and pull the elastic through. When to the end you want to adjust the bunching to the appropriate size for your little one’s arm. Then sew the ends of the elastic to the fabric then cut the extra elastic. Do not cut before sewing or you may lose your elastic.
Now do the neckline. Find your hole and pull elastic through. Then adjust to appropriate size (which you can measure your muchkins neckline). Then I cut the elastic holding it carefully and put a quick stitch in the two elastic pieces by stretching it outside the fabric area. Then I let that go back into the fabric and stitch the hole shut. You can also sew the elastic on the two sides of the opening on the holes (which may be easier).
Now you should have your elastic all completed! We are almost there.
Next, you want to sew both sides of the dress closed. to do this, put your dress inside out and pin sides together starting at bottom of the sleeves. I usually do a zigzag stitch down the outside then a straight stitch on the inner side of the fabric. This makes it stronger. Do this for both sides making sure you sew the bottom of the end of the sleeve.
Now you should have both sides completed. What’s left you say? The bottom of course! So decide if you want a plain hemline or lace. You can hem and then lace as well.
So either hem, or continue and take your lace and line it up on the outside. I have zigzag stitched the bottom already in a previous step to prevent fraying If you have not done so, I suggest you do this or hem the bottom before adding the lace.
Line up the lace on the bottom and pin. Sew it and WaaaLa! You are done! Congrats!
Optional is adding buttons or a bow!
Stay tuned for the hat tutorial!

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2 Ways to Make an Easy Headband!

Need a stylish way to keep the hair out of your face? Want it cheap? Well, believe it or not, you can sew a quick headband in almost under 5 minutes! This is great to match your little one’s dress or outfit. Also, you can match your own outfit or dress for a stylish design. I made a neat flower dress for my munchkin and made myself a matching headband! It looks great for pictures but it’s not the overboard matching outfits :op

Here’s how:

What you need:

Fabric (15×3 two pieces or 15 x6 or one piece folded)
Matching Thread
Elastic (1/4-1/2 inch)

1) First you want to cut out your fabric. You can either make the headband with two pieces of fabric at 15×3 and cut on a slant. Or you can do one piece with the fold on the long side (the 15 inch long side).

2) Following that you want to turn it with fabric sides facing each other and sew the sides (or side if you are folding) and leave ends open. Turn inside out.

3) Fold the ends inwards.

4) Cut your elastic to 7 inches long (or if for younger you can measure ear to ear in the back and cut elastic)

5) Put elastic in end and sew up and down several times ! If you are doing the folded headband then take the corners of the fabric and fold in and sew.

6) And wala! You are done! Don’t be afraid to add buttons, glitter, bows, and other neat accessories!

Awesome! Quick and easy, Enjoy and check back for more activities each week!

Lastly, do you think having matching outfits to your little one is too much? I’d like to see the debate begin!

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Sewing machine tutorials!

New to sewing? Want to learn how to thread your machine? Then, you have come to the right place. Yes this may be a little boring for some, but I found similar help at different sites and decided to put it all together in my own way for anyone new to nursing.

So if you don’t fall asleep along the way, you may learn something! :op

Below are three tutorials on using your sewing machine. This particular tutorial features the brother xl model, which I highly recommend as an affordable and easy to use first machine that has more advanced properties as well. However, if you have another machine, it may be quite similar so you can follow along!

So here is a basic diagram of the machine I made that outlines the important components.

This is a video on the basic parts of the machine and what buttons are used most.

Next, is a video on how to thread your bobbin! Don’t worry it gets much easier each time!

Lastly, how to put everything together! This tutorial demonstrates how to thread the machine and start up!

Good Luck and Enjoy! More tutorials to come…

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Creating A Photo Pillow

Looking for that perfect gift for someone? Maybe for a holiday or special occasion? Possibly a housewarming gift? Or maybe just an I’m thinking of you gift, the photo pillow is a perfect easy sewing project! The pillow below always gives my little one a smile when she picks it up on the couch! I know my husband enjoys it too because sometimes I find drool on it :op

Follow the You-tube tutorial here:

You can also follow along here:

For this tutorial you will need:

Freezer paper the size of a piece of printer paper (8.5×11″)
Computer and printer (choose your photos or photos)
Fabric (sizes vary on size of the pillow you would like)
Sewing machine and accessories
Poly-fill
Iron

1. Start by cutting a piece of freezer paper to the size of a piece of a paper (8.5×11′). Also cut the piece of fabric you are going to print the photo on to that size. Remember you most likely want to print on a light thin colored fabric so the picture stands out.2. Next, take your fabric you want the photo printed on and put it on your ironing surface with the side you want the photo printed on down. Then put your freezer paper shiny side down against the fabric. Have your iron on medium high and iron on top of the freezer paper. You can also turn it over and iron the fabric with the freezer paper on the bottom. Do not leave it on one spot too long or the fabric will develop a burn mark. Make sure the corners are well ironed and the sheet should stick to the fabric.

3. Take the fabric and freezer paper that are now one to your printer. Place it in the paper tray and print your photo. Make sure there aren’t any loose strings hanging on the side of your fabric, this could catch in your printer. Also make sure you put your paper in the way your printer will print on the fabric and not the freezer paper. If you are unsure, take a piece of regular printer paper and mark one side. Put it in the tray and check and see which side it prints on.

4. Once you have your photo printed, you can easily peel off the freezer paper. You can save the freezer paper to use one or two more times; quite economical if I should say so myself! Then, if you are planning on putting the photo fabric on a larger piece of fabric to have a bigger pillow, you want to fold a hem around the edges of your fabric and pin and sew it onto the larger piece of fabric. Below is an example.

However, if you would like to make a small decorative pillow (the size of a piece of paper), you would skip this step.

5. Next take your photo fabric or front of the pillow and place it facing side up. Take the back fabric for your pillow and place it on top facing in. So now the fabric pieces you want to be on the outside of the pillow are now facing the inside. Pin them together. Then you want to stitch all the way around the outside except for a three inch opening. So make sure you back-stitch when you start and end. I suggest you do not do this on the corner because it will be harder to hand sew at the end. This opening will be used to turn the pillow right side out and then stuff with poly-fill.

6. After sewing, turn it right side out. Stuff it with poly-fill to your desired fullness.

7. Now you will have to decide what stitch you want to use to close it. You can close it on the machine however it will be noticeable. You can do the regular loop stitch which is easiest. Another option which is used in my video is the blind stitch. The blind stitch is used for hems and closures that you want “blind.

8. And Viola! You are finished, congrats and enjoy!

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