Fabric bracelets

I stumbled upon a simple yet adorable Mamma Gioca's fabric bracelets tutorial on the G+ sewing community and instantly knew I had to try to sew some!  My toddler wanted to give some to friends, so this was the perfect opportunity to try this tutorial out.

With some leftover fabric and some buttons I purchased, I explored creating bracelets with a single button, mixing and matching multiple buttons, using ribbon, and just plain fabric. I’ll write about the buttons I’ve purchased in another post.

Ok, so I do have to say the hardest part of the tutorial is turning inside out the fabric, but the safety pin method the tutorial mentions does make it easier. Make sure to iron as you go, so it’s nice and tidy at the end. 

Overall, what a great and fun accessory to sew up and interesting use of buttons. This tutorial is a keeper.

Baby bibs

If you have a baby or toddler at home, you can make your own one-of-a-kind bibs that will not only catch drool, but look good too. Perfect for baby showers gifts too!

From my last fabric haul post, I had bought discounted bundle/packs of fat quarter fabric from Jo-Ann's Fabric store. This was perfect for this project, because 1) you can make 2 bibs per fabric 2) these packs have patterns/colors that work well with each other.  So if you don't want to think too hard in choosing which fabric/colors will go with what,  I highly recommend purchasing fabric in bundles.

Here are some cute bibs I made for my little one:

I made the bibs double-sided: the front has a cotton pattern and the back has soft thin flannel. For the first three below, I added more structure using an iron-on Heat N Bond Extra High Loft Fleece Fusible 20"X11 Yards-White. The last one (the kitty bib) just had fabric and fleece.  The good thing about the iron-on fleece is it adds an extra layer of absorption and the bib doesn't wrinkle in the wash (who wants to iron bibs!?). I used VELCRO Brand - Sew On Soft & Flexible - 30" x 5/8" Soft & Flexible Tape - White for the bib closure.

Close up of one of the bibs:

And on the back, flannel:

Close up of more bibs!

If you are just starting to learn how to sew bibs (like me),  I recommend using this free bib pattern from nanaCompany design.  I followed the instructions that is printed on the pattern. Super easy! Here's what it looks like and how I put it together (via tape):

These bibs get plenty of use in my home by my adorable drooling / teething baby. She can now drool in style and comfort. :)  In a future project, I'd like to explore different backings (chenille, terry cloth, waterproof fabric) and maybe add more types of fabric patterns in one bib. Until next time!