Blog Swap with I Make Stuff....and a Tutorial!!!

I'm so excited to be swapping blogs with Alida today.  She is pretty new to blogging but you would never know it!  Check out her blog and show her some love!  Oh, and well you're over there check out my latest addition for the El Cheap-O Shirt Challenge.  


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Hi, I'm Alida from I Make Stuff. I'm pretty new to sewing and a brand new blogger, and I'm so excited to have this opportunity to share a tutorial here on Get Your Craft On! Here are some fun facts about me:

1. I used to sing opera and still do in the shower! (That's me on the right.)

 2. I hate using patterns, I never do it unless I have to. In fact every pattern I own is in this small box:

3. I am totally obsessed with turquoise right now.

4. I've only been sewing for about a year, and it wasn't even my idea to start. My mother-in-law gave me her old sewing machine when she got a new one (and it was the best gift I've ever gotten!) My first solo sewing project:

5. Most people think I'm a natural red head, but in fact I'm a brunette! (I think, I haven't seen my natural hair color in about 12 years.)

Now for my tutorial!

Applique Birthday Crown

The instructions for the applique are on I Make Stuff if you need them! These instructions are for making the crown.

Materials:

two different fabrics for front and lining (and matching thread)

two pieces of ribbon at least 10 inches each

thick stabilizer or fusible fleece

First you will need to measure your child's head and decide how big you want your crown. I made one of these for my 4-year-old and admittedly it was a little large. I couldn't help it though, I was trying to make it like a Miss America Crown! Here is a pic of that one:

As you can see it is about 14 inches long by 7 inches tall.

Since this one is for the baby I decided to make it a little smaller.

Get a piece of paper and fold it in half, then draw out this shape:

Make sure you allow for 1/4 seam allowance and add 1/2 inch to the bottom. Unfold it and look at it, fix it if you need to, and then use it as a template to cut the front fabric and the lining fabric. This is what you should have:

Now decorate as you wish! Like I said the cupcake applique is on my blog if you need it (shameless plug again! I'm sorry!)

Get your two pieces of ribbon and heat seal the ends with a lighter. Put one crown piece right side up and place the ribbons on the sides facing in, then lay the other crown piece on top and pin, leaving the bottom open.

Sew around the crown leaving the bottom open. Make sure you catch the ribbon as you go. Snip the corners, turn and press. Fold the bottom edge under all the way around 1/2 inch and press.

Now it looks like a crown!

Lay your crown on top of your stabilizer or fusible fleece and use it as a template to cut it out. Cut 1/4 inch off the bottom. Stuff the stabilizer into the crown and iron again. Make sure the stabilizer is all the way covered, and topstitch the bottom closed.

Now comes the best part, try it on the kiddo (or yourself!)

WARNING, this will cause extreme cuteness! I cannot be held responsible for the pinched cheeks and goofy grins from strangers that may result from wearing this crown.