a sewing pouch tutorial | vintage inspired

So remember a few weeks ago, I posted about the gift I sent to my giftee for the Handmade Gift Exchange?? Well... I have a secret: I really love making things! OH, not a secret?? OK. Well, I  especially love making things if it's a surprise gift for someone. Like, really really enjoy it.
So I contacted Linda and let her know that if anyone backed out or couldn't fulfill their gifter duties, I would be happy to step in and make another little something. Sure enough, Linda contacted me moments after my message was sent and needed help. YIPPEEE!
This giftee mentioned how much she loved to hand quilt and embroider... so... here is the gift I made her:

A little sewing pouch. There's a place to hold all your pins, needles and safety pins, and a pouch for scissors and thread and whatever else you need to keep on hand.

My inspiration for this project came from my best blog friend (and first Gift Exchange partner), Andrea. She rocks at embroidery! I remembered this post Andrea had written about a little sewing clutch she stitched up and knew it was what I wanted to make.
And I did... but, some how, after sewing it all, turning it inside out and top stitching, It looked like a 5 year old made it! Everything was slanted to the right and basically it just SUCKED! Nothing like Andrea's stellar Gettin' Stitchy Wit It clutch. So I took her basic idea, and made something similar.

Then packaged it up with a few of my cards and some twine and gift tags made out of vintage inspired paper.

After sending off this little beauty,  I felt sad and wanted one of my own. So I made one for myself. Good thing, because I documented the basic process this time around and can now share with you how to make a vintage inspired sewing pouch of your very own.

What you'll need:
Outter Fabric
Inner Fabric
Felt
Scrap fabric- for pouches and appliqué
Lace, button, cord and any other trimmings.


Start by cutting your fabric.
Outter fabric- 17" x 7"
Inner Fabric- 17" x 7"
Pouch- 5" x 7"
Pin holder- 4.5" x 7"
Felt- 2" x 7 "

After you have your fabric cut, hem the top of your pouch. Then sew the fabric that will hold your felt by folding it in half, right sides together and sewing the long sides together using 1/4" seam. Turn inside out and insert your piece of felt.


Lay out all your pieces and start pinning into place. As shown.

You can play with your scrap pieces and other trimmings to see where you want them on your outer fabric. I did this by folding the outer piece into thirds and using that as a guide. Once you get everything looking the way you like, pin it into place. (Note that there will be a 1/4" seem allowance after sewing it together)


Head back over to the sewing machine and start stitching/appliquéing  everything into place. You may have to take out some pins and move things around to get each piece of scrap stitched properly. I used a decorative stitch, but any stitch would work.
Add your button. 

For the inner fabric, you will pin your hemmed pouch on the bottom, and your pin holder (felt inside) in the direct center. Be sure to stitch down any other trimmings you'd like.
Stitch down the top of the pin holder.
If you'd like to keep your scissors and threads separate in the pouch, go ahead and mark where you'd like the scissor pouch to be and stitch down that line. (You do not need to sew up the sides of your pouch, as it will be stitched when we attach the outer and inner fabric)

Once everything that needs to be stitched is done and the pouch is pinned, attach the cord to the top of the outer fabric, taking note of where the button is. 


Next, place the outer and inner fabric right sides together and pin. Using a 1/4" seam allowance, sew the two pieces together... leaving the top open and unstitched for turning. 

Turn inside out and top stitch all the way around, closing up the turn opening. 
Thats it!

Close ups:

What do you think? It came in handy the other night while I was embroidering this announcement! I'm in love.


If you make one, I'd love to see photo's of what you come up with! If you are confused on any steps or feel like I've left a step out, please email me!!!


Go be crafty and make something ;)

DIY Mason Jar Tumbler Lid- In ONLY 3 Steps

I've been dying to get some of these tumbler lids since I saw them on Groopdealz May 3rd. After missing out on snatching up the deal, then shopping around the internet for them, I was discouraged, because they are ridiculously expensive!!! AND I couldn't find a tutorial on how the heck they were made. I knew they could be made on the cheap, just needed to figure out what that darn seal was!

Materials Needed:

Mason jar lid

Seal or Grommet

Drill and 3/8" drill bit

Wire cutter

How to do it:

1. Keep the lid on the mason jar, use the drill bit to drill a hole wherever you want.

2. You'll most likely have rough edges, so use the wire cutters to snip off any edges sticking out and try to make the hole as flat as possible.

3. Press, pinch and push the seal into the hole, carefully.

VOILA! You're done.

Just make sure you wash the mason jar and lid good to get rid of any debris.

TIP: Use the same jar, just new lids while making holes.

Now I have to be honest, if it wasn't for the guys at Lowes, I would have never figured this out on my own, so really all credit for this post goes to them! I figured I could use a drill bit for the hole, but I was lost when it came to what type of seal was being used. After rambling on about what I was looking for, I finally found the email to show them what I wanted to make. I kind of felt stupid when they had a "duh" look on their face and lead me right to the type of seals I needed. You can see them here.  They were in those little drawers that line the wall where you walk in (at least in ours)... I swear the sign above them said Automotive Parts, but looking at the part number online it looks like they are an electrical supply.

So after the Lowe's man helped me pick out the size, I then had to put my pride aside and ask what size drill bit I should use. HAH. I figured it would be 1/4" since that's the diameter of the seal we picked, but I was wrong, he said he'd go with a 3/8". (OK, so I actually bought both; what he recommended ANDD the 1/4" cause I totally didn't believe him.... he was right!  And turns out I didn't need them after all, cause Craig had them in his tool bag, oh well, I'm glad I asked!)

The most HILARIOUS (sarcasm) part of this encounter: When Craig came home from work, I showed him the new lids. He didn't seem as thrilled as I was, so I told him how much they sell for online. His reply was "and what did you pay for those grommets, like .10 cents"

WHAT! YOU KNEW WHAT THESE THINGS WERE CALLED AND DIDN'T TELL ME! Where were you weeks ago when I was searching and searching for them?!

haha.... guess I should have asked him first, huh.

These lids are prefect for any of your parties or backyard BBQ's. Maybe even an outdoor summer wedding, adding paper straws in the wedding colors?! Best part is it keeps those pesky summer bugs out of your drink. They're great for toddlers too. 

Please Note: these lids are not 100% leak proof, when layed on it's side there is a little dribble that comes out of the seal.

If you'd rather purchase these lids instead of making them, you can check them out on Etsy here.

xo

If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram (@kristanlynn) , you already knew about how I made these awesome lids, if you don't, you missed out on knowing how to make them days ago. There are lots of little DIY projects and inspiration photo's I post on there that don't make it to the blog, so be sure to LIKE me on FB to be the first to know what's going on.

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I'd like to announce a new blog sponsor The Letter 4 +  1. The Letter 4+1 is a charitable company that provides hope & support through uplifting stories and by donating proceeds from inspirational products sold to benefit: childhood diseases (See Love), child abuse prevention (Give Hope), & a unique monthly cause (Create Possibilities).  They sell the cutest shirts, iPhone cases and prints. Go shop and help support those in need. Read about how The Letter 4 + 1 got started here.

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Mini Instagram Prints | DIY | make your own mini polaroid prints

I’ve been wanting to buy some of those mini Instagram photo’s that I’ve been seeing everywhere. I searched and searched, and while I found few great sites that were pretty cheap, I just couldn’t press “BUY”. Good thing, because I got over 200 mini prints for $12!

The thing I love about Instagram, is it’s REAL LIFE. A sneak peak inside what is going on at that exact moment… whether it’s how someone is feelings, what they are seeing or doing… you are able to be right there following a long. And it’s is always a pretty journey! Cause Instagram makes everything pretty.

I’ve seen a quite a few cool ideas using the IG mini prints. Like Elsie’s Instagram Wall or turning them into old-school Photo Strips with The College Prespster.

I’ve settled on making a scrapbook filled with snapshot of our daily life, inspirations and projects. Something not so traditional. Here’s a sneak peak of what is in store.

Cute huh?? I really wanted it to look non-traditional… kind of thrown-together”, but still cute. More details in a later post, but know that I am putting all my pretty Washi tape to good use!

Anyways, while I was making my mini IG prints and sharing the goodness on Instagram (go figure), I had a ton of people comment, FB, tweet and email about how they could make them or just state they NEED them now! So to answer most of the questions I received, I’ve thrown together a quick tutorial.

It’s really easy.. I’ve seen Photoshop tutorials out there… and well… Photoshop and I have barely hit first base… which makes me a little insecure around him. So, we’re going to use Picasa… because 1. it’s a FREE download if you don’t have it and 2. it’s way less complicated!!!

 

 

TIP: Now you should have all your IG photo’s on your computer, because we all know how important syncing your phone is… but in case you don’t.. never fear! I recently upgraded to the 4s and then upgraded from my (what now feel like a dinosaur) Dell laptop to a Mac…. so the only IG photo’s I had were from the past few months. Just head to instaport.me, where your will be able to download a zip file full of every IG photo you’ve ever taken!! Easy peasy.

What you need:
Photo Paper (anything semi gloss!)
Printer
Paper Trimmer (this is not necessary, you can use scissors… but using a trimmer makes it so much easier and is totally worth the $$!)

So after you have all your IG photos, here what you’d do:

• Select the photo’s you’d like to print and click the Collage button
• You’ll be taken to the Collage screen, in which you would make sure that Contact Sheet is selected.
• Pick whether you would like a square border, which would make them look like the mini prints you would buy online, or you can choose to make them look like old polaroids.
• Select your Paper size, make sure the the shadow box is unselected and click CREATE COLLAGE.

You’re ready to print =)

NOTE: Depending on your photo paper size and how many photo’s you select will vary your mini print size.
I used 8.5 x 11 inch HP Semi Gloss photo paper. Here are the dimensions I got:
12 Photo’s selected. Landscape. Square: 1.75” x 1.75”
9 Photo’s selcted. Portrait. Polaroid: 2” x 1.5” (roughly)
6 Photo’s selected. Landscape. Square: 2.5” x 2.5”
6 Photo’s selected. Landscape. Polaroid: 2.25” x 2.5” (roughly)

ANOTHER TIP: You can definitely use smaller photo paper. I did a few prints on 4 x 6 and they are super cute… super MINI… but super CUTE! Just remember the more photo’s you add, the smaller your prints will be.

ONE MORE TIP: While there is no excuse not to be using IG, as it’s now available on Android, you can use ANY picture for this project. Just crop the pictures into a square and play with the AWESOME (Picnic like) filters Picasa offers now, before placing into the collage. (Secret, I did this to 10 or 11 pics that I just HAD to have in my scrapbook.)

While this is pretty basic, I know there are some people that are not familiar with Picasa, so I found this great in-depth step-by-step photo tutorial done by Finding Nana for you to check out. If you’re at all confused… take a look at her post to get some clarification.

I was able to get a little over 200 mini prints out of 25 sheets of 8.5 x 11 photo paper. Office Depot has their HP semi gloss photo paper half off right now, so for 25 sheets I paid $12! That’s a total steal, because one of the places I checked out to make my mini prints offered 48 prints for $12. WHOA!

Here’s a quick size comparison of the super mini’s, 8 square photo’s printed on 4 x 6 photo paper. Next to a quarter, and then next to the 1.75 “ x 1.75”, just to give you an idea.

xoxo 

Remember, The $12 doesn’t reflect ink, but depending on your printer/ink prices… I’m estimating at most add maybe $5 –$10. The prints are mini, so in all actuality, it’d be like printing around 10   8 x 10 prints.

Warm Fuzzies DIY | a guest post

Hey there adelynSTONE readers! I'm excited as ants on a cracker to introduce ourselves here today.

Today Janae is sharing with you a family favorite.

Today, I am introducing one of my life savers to you. A homemade warm fuzzy. Just a bundle of microwavable warmth that puts a smile on my face. Whenever I don't feel so swell or I'm just cold at night, this thing works miracles! I have a million and one in my room. It's seriously one of my most treasured things I've ever made in my life. hahaha

What's neat about it, is that you can personalize it! Get some fabric and draw any shape you want!

Cut out a front and back that match up. Put them together so that the back side of the fabric faces out and sew around it. DON'T forget to leave a small hole.

Turn it inside out...

Fill it up with rice, wheat, beans, barley, oatmeal...whatever you prefer or have on hand. You can also make it have a pleasant aroma by adding peppermint oil, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, lavender...again, whatever you prefer.

Sew up the hole, stick it in the microwave for a minute or two, and there you have an easy made miracle worker. Your own warm fuzzy!

Jamie and I made the heart as a Valentine warm fuzzy. My personal favorite and most used one is Pearl, my whale that I created. The square one is Julianna's that is filled with wheat and peppermint oil. Genius.

Stop by our blog and say hi! Or you can visit us on our Facebook Page!

Thanks for having us on your fabulous blog today Kristan!!!

The pleasure was all mine Janae!

xoxo

bump it with no “bump it” | hair volume tutorial

OK. So I get a tone of emails asking about my hair. Actually…  even random people ask me how I do it all the time. My sister does her hair the same way, and is also ALWAYS complimented on her hair and asked how she does it, so here ya go. (you are welcome)

NOTE: I am NO hairdresser. hah. This is simply me sharing my hair routine.
I have super fine hair. Baby fine.And it has NO natural volume to it whatsoever. If I just blow dry it… it’s stick straight and flat to my head. I know that my hair looks thicker but it’s just all the teasing (ratting) I do to my roots.  So here is how I get my volume.
FYI: I don’t use any product in my hair prior to blow drying. Just shampoo and conditioner and it’s then it’s blown dry upside down.
*** NOTE: I use hairspray in step 2. Hairspray IS a product.... Hope that clears up some confusion..... this was never intended to be a way to style hair without product.... 

There are 3 steps to the tease.
Step 1- Tease… I mean really tease… like RAT THAT SHIT. hah. Take your layer, put the comb at your root, and tease atleast 5 times, move the comb up a little bit, and do the same thing. You want about 3-4 inches teased, depending on your length. This is a crucial step, if you’re not teasing right, it won’t stay. (the Sister read through this to make sure I didn’t leave out anything and she made me put an extra emphasis on the teasing… see.. it’s important!)
Step 2. Spray a bit of hairspray onto your tease.
Step 3-  Shoot it with the blow dryer to dry the hairspray.

I start with the crown, usually do 3-4 layers. Then move onto the front 3-4 layers. After I’m done… it looks a bit crazy. Totally ok. Grab your trusty flat iron and smooth everything, root to end (making sure to pull straight up at the root for added lift).

That’s pretty much it. Once every thing is smoothed out play with the pieces, you may have to go back in and tease a few random stubborn layers. Spray your whole head with hairspray. You’re done.
Whether it’s being worn down, being curled or put in a pony… my hair is always styled this way first.
I’ve tried so many volumizing products and they all tend to make my hair look and feel gross, plus they weigh my hair down like whoa. I love Big Sexy Hair products, but since $20 hairspray isn’t in my budget right now, Tresemme is the best cheap hairspray for this job.
You can see more pictures of my hair in my what I wore posts.

# kristanlynn
xoxo  

** for those that have inquired, my handmade dolls are available @ stitchedvintage.com

Oversized Cowl | the pattern

Cowls are all the new rage. Huh?

I received an overwhelming response to this one I made from my last post. Ya’ll wanted to know how I made it. So here ya go. It’s super easy!!!

 

Material:

• 2-3 skeins of super bulky yarn. I used almost 3 of Lion Brand Aspen Tweed
• N hook

Directions.
Please note. While I’ve crocheted for years, I still consider myself a newbie and do not write patterns. So please be kind. hah.

 

Chain 56 + 4. Turn
Skip the first 3 chains. Work a puff stitch into the fourth chain. Then into every other chain. When you get to the end of row, Ch 3, turn and repeat until you get the height you like. I did 13 rows.
Use a slip stitch to connect the ends, turning it into a cowl.
Weave in ends and you’re DONE!

I  searched for a good video to show you and finally found one of this stitch being done here. It’s very helpful to those just starting out in crochet. If my directions don’t make sense, they should when you watch that video.

Enjoy. Wishing you all nothing short of the best for 2012!!!

# kristanlynn
xoxo  

Note that Chain is hyperlinked. That is a great video tutorial on how to get started crocheting. It really is easy as pie.

it’s not too late! | advent calendar | DIY idea

Are you like me… and JUST NOW realized you never made an Advent calendar?? Well… that’s ok. Traditional Advent calendars are 25 days… but who the heck is traditional anymore?? It doesn’t matter if it’s 25 days, 10 days or even 5 days… the point is to have fun and give the kids something to look forward too, add anticipation for Christmas Day.

I seen these Advent calendar’s on Etsy, so here is my take!

Easy way:
Hang numbered envelopes from clothespins and twine! That’s it. I mean.. if you’re super limited on time, but wanted to add something fun for the kiddo’s, that’s literally all you have to do… buy some fun colored envelopes and add numbers.

If you want to get all fancy:
And I did, you could make your own envelopes out of Christmas cardstock. I have a scoring board, so this was simple, if you don’t know how to make an envelope, check out this picture.

Note: I didn’t have Christmas cardstock on hand. So I just Googled Christmas paper, and printed off some images that came up. (Is that legal?).

Wondering what to put in side such envelopes? 
Here are a few things we did: silly bands, family Wii night, Gingerbread house night, cookie decorating contest, fun stickers, slumber party/movie night. As tradition, the last one will have a note saying where a bigger present is, which of course will be their Christmas PJ’s for Christmas Eve.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

# kristanlynn
xoxo

This post was sponsored by The Shutterbug Eye.

burlap, lace, tweed OH MY | packaging bows | a tutorial

Why buy store-bought bows when you can make the prettiest ones ever? It adds such a nice handmade touch to even store bought presents. AND they are reusable! I seen this post by Jessica and had a light bulb moment!

Material:

• Any fabric, ribbon, or even paper
  • I used Burlap, ribbon lace and tweed.
• Stapler
• Needle/Thread
• Wall mounting tape.

First you want to cut your strips. You will have 3 Large, 3 Medium, 2 Small and 1 xSmall. Just decrease the length of each size by one inch and the last one by 2 inches.

For example,

• Large = 10”
• Medium = 9 “
• Small = 8”.
• xSmall = 6”

I didn’t measure the width, just eyeballed it, but I’d say to keep it around 1/2” to 3/4”

You are basically making a figure eight and securing in the center. Try to make them “skinny” eights rather than “fat” eights. That probably makes NO sense, but as you make them, you’ll see. The “skinny” eights are more pointy on the ends, therefore, looking more like the store-bought bows. (unlike the round ones pictured)

Once you have your 9 strips looped and secured, start stacking one ontop of the other. Start with the Large, ending with the circle in the center. To secure, just throw a couple stitches in the center. You could use hot glue, but I promise… the stitches will hold better, and seems more intimidating than it is.

Take the wall mounting tape (I used 3M), peel one off, hot glue the sticky part and press onto the center bottom.
Note: You can just hot glue them onto your package, I used the tape because I gave a dozen of these as a gift.

 

That’s it. See, super fast and easy, too!

I’m in love with them. ESPECIALLY the lace! Lace bows = Happy heart!

I made these ones out of fabric and they are just as pretty:

And Adelyn HAD to have one for her hair, so I put one on an alligator clip:

Have fun! Play with different patterns and textures. Group different textures together on one present to make it extra special.

(If you notice the gift receiver tossing the bow into the wrapping paper trash, don’t hesitate, or feel bad, asking for it back. They are too pretty to throw away! hah)

Happy Holidays!!!

# kristanlynn
xoxo  

This post was sponsored by Heather @ JustLove.lyThings.