Rockin' Wristlets!

So many of us have seen the amazing upcycle tie wristlets thanks to Pinterest. I think they are super cute but I don't think many men's ties are very attractive. Well not ones that you get for cheap anyways. So I decided I wanted to make some of these but I wanted to have a print that was appealing to myself and others! So after many measurements, drawings and not so great trial runs I came up with my own pattern. YAY for me!!! And this is my end product.

Super cute, right? These wristlets have a back pocket (approximate measurements 5"x3 1/2") and a card pocket (approximate measurements 4 1/4"x3 1/2"). Rockin' Wristlets are convenient pouches that hold your phone, cards and whatever other little items you may need for on the go. Each wristlet has a small pouch, seperate card slot, small snap button closure and D ring that you can attach a key ring to. Great when going to an amusement park, concert or to take the dog for a walk. Carry small items with out taking your purse or stuffing them in your pockets! If you would like one of these Rockin' Wristlets for you or a friend you're in luck, I do sell them and you choose the outer and lining fabric pattern. . To order one today come to my page on Facebook here and send me a message.

Also "LIKE" my page and enter the "Sharing is Caring Giveaway" to try and win a Giraffe Print Rockin' Wristlet! Giveaway runs until Monday, November 19, 2012 11:59 pm CST.

Pin It

Baby Wipes Case Cover Tutorial

Covering baby wipes cases are all the rage right now. It’s an adorable way to add a little flare and personality to your babies plain old diapering items. I have seen some great customized cases out there for sale but I have also seen some ridiculous prices. I think these are super cute and I make and sell them myself but $30+ is seriously crazy to me. I'm making this tutorial for all those who have or would like to have a crafty side, would like to own a case cover for their little one, and doesn’t want to spend a silly amount on one. Here we go.

The materials you will need:

~ One travel size “hard” baby wipes case

~ One Fat Quarter in fabric pattern of your choosing (this is ¼ yard of fabric, you can find these at most fabric store or even Walmart already pre-cut they are around $2 or less. You will not use all this fabric)

~ Batting (Using felt is an option to, but I prefer the batting because I think it hides the glue better)

~ Ribbon of your choosing about 3 yards (choose ribbon that is no less than 3/8” wide and no more than 5/8” wide)

~ Hot Glue Gun

~ Scissors

~ Any other embellishments you may want

~ Blank paper and something to mark with (optional)

~ Ruler (optional)


OK, first things first! I am going to go over two ways of doing this. The fancy way and the lazy way. (Funny I call it the lazy way but in the end it takes more time in my opinion…go figure)

Fancy

***Fancy***
You are going to take your case and make an outline of it. Then add 1cm to the outline all the way around (this is for folding down on the sides). Then cut it out so you now have a pattern.

***Lazy***
Make a pattern by measuring out 9"x 5" on a piece of paper and cut it out for your pattern. Or you don’t need the paper pattern you can just mark the measurements right on the different materials you will be using.




Take which ever pattern you decided to go with and cut out two pieces of batting or you can trace right around the case since you will not need the extra space for the sides. Then take your hot glue gun and glue one to the top and one to the bottom of the case. After gluing you will have some excess batting hanging over the sides if you used a pattern. Cut the excess off to where it does not go down the sides. The batting makes the case softer and hides nasty glue marks.

 ***Tip***
When gluing be sure to glue in sections so that your glue stays hot enough to fully intact the material. I usually place the material where I want it then lift the right side, glue, lift the left side, glue the middle and finally lift the last part of the left side and glue again. Press and smooth out after gluing each section so you don't have bumps.

Time to get started on your fabric of choice. (You will begin and finish the top part of your case before starting on the bottom) Once again take the pattern you chose and cut out two pieces of your fat quarter fabric. Before gluing make sure the fabric is placed to where the sides reach (or just about reach) the end of where the case opens. If it goes past it's okay, just don't glue past the opening. Glue your fabric on top of your batting on the top part of your case the same way you did previously. Then start gluing the fabric down on the back, then pull the fabric in the front and glue down, then the sides. Leave all your corners for last then smooth them down and glue.Once you have completely finished gluing your top fabric go back and trim off any excess that goes past the opening and get those pesky loose frays. Repeat for the gluing of your fabric to the bottom of your case.

***Tip***
When gluing around the sides keep your case open. This will help you to not accidentally glue your case closed:)

Yay! We are almost there! Time for your ribbon. The ribbon will bring this case together and cover up all your ugly edges. There are several different ways you can spice up your case with your ribbon across the top in addition to apply it all the way around. I chose to apply a piece across the bottom right hand corner. You can choose to do it any way you like, across the top long or short ways, a cross, or nothing across the top at all.

If you want a piece on top apply this first. Glue the ribbon across the top and sides, making it just as long as your fabric. Now time to apply your ribbon around the case. Start with the top part of you case first. Start at the back of the case and glue the ribbon onto the edges where your fabric ends. Work you way all the way around. When you get back to the start overlap your ribbon by 1/2 inch.

***Tip***
Slowly glue your ribbon a small piece at a time to make sure your glue stays hot while applying.

Now is the time to add any embellishments you would like such as buttons or flowers. Simply just glue in place. Just like I did with this flower on a case I previously made and it also has a ribbon across the top too!

All Done!!! Now you have a super cute case that was all done by your handy work! Congrats:)

If you don't feel like you have the time or patience to make one of these adorable cases then come on over to my page here and order one from me today. Also check out some of the other fun stuff I make:)


~ I would LOVE to hear from YOU so please feel free to leave a comment, suggestion, or a question! Don't be shy become one of my followers, I would love to have you! Pin It

My Guest Post Tutorial, Plus Wipes Case Giveaway!!!!

So I am super excited because I got my first guest post gig! WOOT WOOT!!!! My post is featured on a great blog A Mommy Lifestyle. I decided to go with a post on how to make your own baby wipes case covers. Its a simple, easy to follow tutorial for those of us that want to be creative and love DIY projects. So head on over here and check out my guest post! Also there is an added bonus. One lucky reader will WIN this awesome giraffe print case that was made by me. Click here for details and GOOD LUCK!!!

Pin It

iPhone/iPod Charging Cradle

So most people are on this awesome site called Pinterest...oh yes infamous Pinterest a reason to get up everyday. This site is nothing less than awesome! I always find great DIY projects, cleaning tips and yummy recipes. Anyways let me get back to my subject here. On Pinterest you may have seen this cool cradle.------------------------>

When I saw this I thought what a great idea I could make that. I followed the link and the post was in a different language:( I am smart so I used google translator, but unfortunately there were no instructions, so I decided to use my smarts and give it a go on my own. My first attempt was not good, plain and simple. I tried to use cardboard to stabilize the fabric but when I sewed it left big holes and cutting the hole in the top was hard and looked so ugly. I wish I had a picture of how bad of an attempt it was.

Then I decide to go a different route and try out a fusible stabilizer and this turned out a little better but still not a perfect attempt. With the way I did it left a large indent at the top because the stabilizer didn't reach the top of the fabric. Plus it wasn't a perfect rectangle all the way around and the pocket wasn't as big as I wanted either:(

2nd attempt!

 I posted a picture and I actually had a friend that wanted one, lol go figure. I told her I would be glad to make her one but I definitely wanted to fix the problems I had with it. Plus she is my friend I want her to have a pretty and perfect one and also all the items I make represent Love Me Sew By Navarro, so that attempt is no bueno for a final piece.

Anyways I looked at the piece and thought about the adjustments I wanted to make so it would be better. My dear friend came over and picked out the fabric patterns she wanted for the body and the pocket and I set to work. I applied the fusible stabilizer differently and made the pocket bigger and better. I must say my project turned out really great and she absolutely loved it.

Final product! Zebra print with Hot Pink Pocket.

Now these great iphone/ipod charging cradles are a part of Love Me Sew By Navarro's growing list of products and are available for purchase. These can be made with your choice of fabric for the body and the pocket to match your style. If you would love one for yourself please contact me to place an order.

Also if you would like to follow me on Pinterest click here.






Pin It

Come And Get 'Em Flat Iron Cases For Sale!!!

 Well I would like to keep everyone updated on products that are for sale from Love Me Sew By Navarro. If you saw my post "Flat Iron Case Progression" you saw the cute and useful travel flat iron cases I make. If you go to my page on Facebook I have three fabric patterns with multiple trim options up for sale.  All of these cases are made when ordered.

 

    These are just half of the choices that are available. If you would like to see all choices please visit my page and go to the "Shop Now" tab. You can easily pick out the case fabric and trim you would like and make your payment using PayPal, securely from my shop on Facebook. These make great birthday and Christmas gifts! Even if you don't purchase a case, but you love them then pin, like, share or tweet this post to let everyone know about them.  Happy Shopping<3

Pin It

HeartFelt By Morse

So I have love for all hand crafters out there but I have a special place in my heart for a select few and at the top of my list is HeartFelt By Morse from the Denver, Colorado area. I love love love her stuff and she is one of the reasons I took my creativity to the marketplace. She makes some really adorable baby items such as, diaper cakes, car seat covers and stuffed animals just to name a few. They are so adorable you are crazy if you don't want your little one rocking any one of her items in their collection. Here are a few examples of her work.

Jungle Print and Blue Baby Car Seat Cover (For Sale Now)

 Lime Green and Polka Dot Teddy Bear Diaper Cake

Blue and Green Checkered Stuffed Elephant

                                                                               

Vintage Pillowcase Dress (For Sale Now)

These are just a few items from her collection of fab items she makes. Oh and did I mention she does custom orders as well. If you would like to check out more of her items, tell her how much you love her stuff or you would like to go ahead and place an order go to her Facebook page here. Show this handmade crafter some love and like her page while you are there to get all her news and updates.

Pin It

Flat Iron Case Progression

So like I said before I love creating. Whether you're a life long crafter or you are not all that great and you dabble every once in a while you still understand the great feeling you get when you finish a project. There is a bonus feeling if the project turns out like you wanted or better than you expected. I love seeing how a project starts out with the materials laid out and then watching them transform step by step into something that you're proud of and other people love as well.

My bestie, Amanda, wanted me to make her something but she wasn't sure what exactly, so she started thinking about it and saw a DIY flat iron case and asked if it was something I could do. This was the case -------------------------------------------------------------------->
This easy DIY project was created by Jamie, on Creative Juices.  This is pretty simple to do and materials are cheap but since I love my bestie I wanted to make her a really great useful case. So I set to work brainstorming and browsing the web to see what features I could add into a compact case to make it awesome! Then I set to work.

I mapped out some measurements and gathered the materials I needed and set to work. The process begins...( the pictures with the purple fabric is not the one I made for my bestie, I completely forgot to take pictures of the process of when making it, but I show hers at the end)

I cut out all the pieces of fabric and Insul Bright I needed. Got a light gray package of double fold bias and matching thread.

***Insul Bright is a padded insulation for heat that is also used in oven mitts and pot holders.

With the pieces I cut out I started attaching them to make them into a great case. Insul Bright is sandwiched between two pieces of fabric for the body, and two pieces of fabric for the pouch that holds the flat iron. An elastic tie is attached to the pouch for clean cord storage. (I think this will help the flat iron last longer since wrapping the cord around the iron can cause wire shortage.) I added a long pocket at the top to hold random items such as a comb, hair ties/clips, and hair cutting shears. I attached some bias tape to the pouch and the pocket to make it look pretty.

I added some handles for easy carrying and some snap buttons for simple open and closure. I sewed bias tape all the way around pulling the look together and to make a very cute, useful case!

 

 This purple case was made for someone else and I remembered to take pictures while I was in the process of making it. I made a cute pink and yellow case for my bestie which is pictured below.

 

 If you are interested in owning one of these cases then good news you can! You can order these cases in the fabric pattern and trim of your choice. Visit me on my Facebook at Love Me Sew By Navarro. Check out my "Flat Iron Case" and "Fabric Choices" albums and send me a message to place an order! 

Pin It