Whip up an apron this weekend

Written on November 13, 2009 at 1:51 pm, by DIY on the Fly (Beth Eslinger)

Here’s a quick gift idea for the DIYers on your list: A utility apron embellished with fabric tool silhouettes.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Premade apron (this one’s from Restoration Hardware)
• Fabric scraps
• Fusible webbing
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Random tools to trace around

T0tal project time:

• 1 hour (sans shopping)

Get going!

Pick through your scrap fabrics, 0r if you need to buy, try quilting quarters from the fabric store (super affordable). Press iron-on fusible bond, also from the fabric store, to the fabric back. Trace shapes of scissors, cell phones, or tools to the fusible bond side. Cut out the shapes, iron onto your apron, then zigzag stitch to finish the edges. Topstitch decorative ribbon onto the apron just for fun.

---

DIY Book Club: Stitched Toys: 20 Stunning But Simple Designs

Written on October 28, 2009 at 8:17 am, by Team DIY

It seems like we keep finding out new scary things about plastic. So we perk up when we hear about alternatives to plastic toys for kids. That’s just one of the reasons we’re loving Kate Haxell’s latest book, Stitched Toys: 20 Stunning But Simple Designs. Like Kate’s previous reads, the photography in Stitched Toys is superb, and the step-by-step directions are spot-on. From puppets and pillows to a felted take on a teddy bear, these projects are downright lovely. Ever seen the price tags for handmade toys at designer baby shops? This book helps you get that look for a fraction of the cost. No bambinos of your own? Sew up one of these, and your gift will be tops at the next baby shower you attend.

Another major bonus: Most of the projects use only a tiny amount of fabric, so scraps and recycled fabrics are A-OK. The first few pages of Stitched Toys cover techniques and materials, and you’ll find patterns in the back. Pretty much everything you need (minus the fabric and thread) to get started.

---

Create Pillows from Tea Towels

Written on October 13, 2009 at 8:10 am, by DIY on the Fly (Beth Eslinger)

Calling all frugalistas: If you can sew a straight stitch, you can create buku pillows for an instant sofa makeover.

Starting with more fun patterned tea towels (from Anthropologie.com and St. Louis’ Bowood Farms bowoodfarms.com), I let the graphic patterns lead my pillow designs. All are super-easy to sew (15 minutes or less) and easy to modify. Here’s what I did (starting clockwise from top).

1. Powered with Flowers

This sweet tea towel came tricked with embroidered flowers, so I simply folded the towel over, cut the shape into a square, and sewed the edges (leave an opening for a pillow form and then hand-sew the opening closed). Done.

2. Take it Off the Table

OK, so I cheated a bit and used dinner napkins to create this checked pillow. Simply take 2 napkins, place them right sides together, and sew around the edges (leave an opening for your pillow form, then hand-sew after you stuff the pillow form). Shop sales for great napkins such as these, $3 on clearance from WilliamSonoma.com.

3. Pretty Fly

This tea towel came with sweet butterfly embroidery and a calico edge. To make this design, I folded the edges over a rectangular pillow so the edges met on the pillow front (then pin). Turn wrong side out and sew the sides. To finish, turn right side out, then hand-sew the decorative edge.

4. Hello, Tootsie Roll

This towel came with pom-pom trim and a cool patchwork pattern that just screamed pillow. I folded the pillow over a bolster form and pinned (and then sewed) the right side of the fabric. Satin ribbons tied into bows finish the edges.

5. So Square

I had leftover towel from another project, so I just trimmed the scraps into a square and made this cute little accent pillow.

Total Time: 10-15 minutes per pillow

Total Cost: $25 (including the towel and a form)

Total Effect: A brand-new sofa look for under $150!

Next week: Tea Towels Take 3. See how I transform tea towels into a headboard cover!

If you’re new to sewing pillows, check out this how-to.

---

Make a Designer Apron—in Minutes!

Written on October 6, 2009 at 8:11 am, by DIY on the Fly (Beth Eslinger)

I’m Beth, editor of Do It Yourself magazine and devotee of quick projects I can create in my limited spare time! This month, I’m totally obsessed with tea towels and all the great things you can make with them.
I love tea towels for their adaptable size (generally 20×26 inches), prefinished edges (making them a cinch to sew), and bargain prices (my spendiest towels cost $16, not bad for readymade design). The sizes, patterns, and motifs are perfect project fodder for pillows, artwork, café curtains, basket liners, and more!
Here, I created a designer-style apron using a fancy tea towel with decorative trim (Anthropologie.com). Purchase an apron like this, or make it yourself to slash the cost—and boost your DIY pride!

To get this look, lay an old apron over your tea towel, using the finished sides of the towel for the apron’s top, sides, and bottom edges. Trace the arm holes with a pencil, and cut out using a sharp scissors. For the ties: Easiest option—cut two pieces of 1-inch ribbon to 54 inches. Center ribbon on the arm holes and sew with right sides together using ¼-inch seam allowances. Turn under the top and bottom edges of the ribbon and sew to finish. Done, and on to some quality time in the kitchen.

Option 2: For a pro look, sew fabric ties from a coordinating fabric. Cut two 3×54-inch strips, then press all sides under ½ inch. Press the short sides in half so the strip measures 1-inch wide. Center the strips on the arm holes, pin the right side of the towel to one right side of the strip, and sew using ½ seam allowances. Turn right side out and press. To finish, topstitch through all layers of the strip.

Total time: 15 minutes for the ribbon option; 30 minutes for the hardcore sewing
Total cost: $16
Total satisfaction: 100 percent, guaranteed!

Tune in next Tuesday for more tea towel projects, including a whole pile of pillows.

---