How To Make Your Own Table Runner

My husband bought me a new table a few years ago since we have outgrown our small basic table and since I have had this new table I have been trying different table cloths, place mats, table runners etc. and haven't been happy with any of them.  My living room colors are creams and dark reds and I had the most beautiful red table cloth with my old table but it now wouldn't fit my new table.  Well, I came up with this great idea to turn that old table cloth into my new table runner!  Here's what you'll need.

• Scissors
• Sewing Machine
• Thread
• Pins
• Measuring Ruler
• Old Tablecloth
• Accent Fabric
• Iron and Ironing Board

You will first need to wash your fabric.  Press your fabric with your iron.  fold wrong sides touching together matching top to bottom.  Pin about 1/2 inch from the fold and iron down the fold.  I then used the sewing machine's guide, sewing about 1/2 inch removing the pins as I sew.  always back stitch at the begining of your stitch and the end. 
You will now move on to the next step.  With the sewn fold on top again place wrong sides touching together and measure 3 1/2 inches pining down the fabric.  Iron the fold.  Sew your strip the same width as your first.  Continue steps until you have 4 or more folds sewn.
I then took my fabric and measured it to my table.  I wanted to have my table runner be close to 1/3 width of the table.  From here I cut the remaining excess off leaving me about 1 inch to work with to finish the rough edge. 
One one side fold the wrong sides together 1/2 inch and press with your iron.  Seal the rough edge by folding in one more time by 1/2 inch and press with your iron.  You will want to make sure you measure all the way down when you are pressing to make sure that your edge will stay 1/2 inch in width. With your sewing maching sew as close to the opening as possible.  Follow same instructions for the other side.

Now that we have finished off our rough edges you will want to finish the design you have made on the top.  I chose to make a pattern folding the bullets back and forth giving the fabric a 3 dimensal wave.  Starting from the center of your length sew from one bullet to the next until you have sewn down all bullets.  Measure to where you want your next tack.  I measured about 8 inches apart.  Fold your bullet the opposite way creating the wave.  Finish to the edge of your length. 

You can stop here or if you want as I have done you can add a little accent to match homemade placemats.  What I did was measure 2 inches of fabric and cut all the way down in one long strip for each side.  Folded in the raw side and sewed all the way down.  What a very easy project for such a beautiful accent.

I would love to see your own designs or ideas.  Post your link of your own creation or photos in the comments.

How to make Healthy Pumpkin Muffins

Do you ever feel that your kids ever demand goldfish, fruit snacks, potato chips, pudding, crackers, candy. . . the list could go on and on.  I have that same problem at times in my house.  When I tend to give in to my kids demands I see that in 1 hour or 2 my children become irritable and whiny.  Well here is a simple solution to those cravings they may have mid afternoon.
The nice thing about these pumpkin muffins is they are great to freeze and have on hand at any time but don't let them know that the whole wheat or the pumpkin is good for them.  Try this out and let me know what your kids think.
 

How to make Chile Rellenos

This is one of our favorite meals.  We have changed it quite a bit and it's not the traditional chile relleno but once you take it you will realize why we took a unique twist.  Watch the video to get step by step instructions on how to make this great meal.

How To Make St. Patrick's Day Hair Clovers

I love Love Love Making little girl hair bows.  This post I will share with you an easy way to have your little girls prepared to show her style on St. Patrick's Day.  
 WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

• 2 7" cut green ribbon (3/8" wide)
• 1 3 1/2" cut green ribbon (3/8" wide)
• Button
• Fishing wire and Sewing Needle
• Alligator Clip
• Glue Gun

Mark or pinch your 7" ribbon in half.  Wrap the ends of the ribbon matching ends together in the back.  Grab your alligator clip to hold your bow in place.  Do the same thing with the other piece of 7" ribbon. 
Cross the ribbon placing together forming 4 loops together.  Take your fishing wire with a knot in the end and sew the 2 ribbons and the ends together.  Once finished sewing tie a knot and slid the knot as close to the ribbon as possible.   Take your last piece of ribbon with glue on the tip, glue to the inside of the clip's prongs.  Place glue on the top side of the alligator clip then fastening the ribbon to the top of the clip.  Wrap the ribbon around the clip sealing with glue once again. 
Take the end of the alligator clip and place a dab of glue on the end attaching the 4 leaf clover to the tip, do the same with the button and let it cool.  Well, there you have it.  You have now made a very cute 4 leave Clover.
I have many other ideas for other seasonal holidays and will post when we get closer to that time.  Stay tuned for other posts.  Leave any suggestions or post your own pictures of your finished hair bows!!!  Also watch step by step instructions by video below.

How to Spice up your Spice Cabinet

How many of you have cooked an amazing meal and decided to be a little experimental in adding some of the herbs you've had in your spice cabinet and realized that the meal really never hit your 5 star rating that you were hoping for.  Well, it's probably not your cooking skills.  In fact it could be that bottle of magic you added for flavor.  I don't know if many of you know but your herbs and spices in the kitchen have an expiration date.  Did you know that spices stored in an airtight container, in a cool, dry place, spices retain their potency longer than you'd think — as long as 4 years for whole spices, 2 to 3 years for ground spices, and 1 to 3 years for leafy herbs, depending on the herb.  I know in the past I have had some spices in my cabinet for double the time it should be kept.  We have made it a tradition in our family now to write the month and year on the label to help remind us how fresh they really are.  This little tip not only helps keep your herbs organized but it can make a huge difference in how your food tastes.  If it has been a long time go into your cabinet and chuck all those old bottle of herbs and spice up your food with new herbs and spices!

Another important tip while cooking with herbs and spices is never pour your herbs and spices over boiling water, or hot steam.  A few reasons for that:
1. When you sprinkle the herbs into your pan the steam will seep into the bottle damaging the consistency, the flavor, and the freshness of the herb or spice.
2. The moisture that is now captured in the bottle is a perfect place for bacteria to grow causing possible mold or illness.

If you have any other tips you would like to share please make a comment.  Follow the blog for future topics that we will feature as well as check out our youtube channel howtogirlieo

3 of 3 series - How to make a Diaper/Receiving Shirt

Well, if you have gotten this far I applaud you.  You are so close to finishing up your project.  We have saved the best for last, our receiving shirt.
Items you'll need:

• 2 front pieces of the shirt cut and marked (flannel)
• 1 backing of the shirt (flannel)
• 1/4" ribbon
• Button Clip
• String
• Long strips of 1 1/2" flannel for edges
• Sewing Machine

 After you have cut and marked your pattern you will want to set your sewing machine with the zigzag stitch if you don't already have a surger.  zigzag the sides  as well as the top of the shoulder.
Once you have finished all 3 pieces in the zigzag change your stitch to a straight stitch and sew (right sides in) together the sides and tops of the shoulders together.  You will want to also pin in the ribbon where the pattern was marked and sew in with the seam.
Take your long strips of the 1 1/2" flannel pieces and press them with your iron in half and then in half again with the unfinished edges in the center.  Start at the bottom and pin the edging to the bottom of the shirt (if you don't have enough of the edging you will just want to sew together pieces).  Sew pieces together carefully pulling the pins out before running through your sewing machine.  Repeat same step for the sides and also remember to include the ribbon to the other side of your bow.  Once finished there you will want to repeat with the arm holes.
You are almost done.  Last step you will take your hidden button clip and sew it on the inside of the shirt helping to keep the hidden side closed and together.
Look back and relax because you are finished!!!  Please send pictures of all your finished projects because we would all love to see your finished masterpiece.  Happy sewing!!!

2 of 3 Series - How to make a baby blanket

Making a baby blanket is very simple and if you are just getting into sewing it's a great project to work on and feel that you have accomplished an adorable masterpiece.  The fun thing about the baby blankets is you can embellish any way that you want.
In this post I will explain how to do a basic baby blanket and then also give you some other ideas to add some character to your project.

What you will need (basics):

• at least 32x32 inches of flannel fabric (2 separate patterns)
• All Purpose string that will match your fabric
• Sewing machine
• Scissors

All you will do once you have cut your fabric you will match up right sides together, sew with 3/8 from the edge all the way around the fabric leaving the last 4-5 inches unfinished.  Turn your fabric right side out, press all the edges with an iron.  Sew the last 4-5 inches as close to the edge as possible.  Once finished, snip all your excess strings.

Now if you want to embellish the project as I have you can  cut your initial top piece to 29x29 and then cut 4 separate strips 2 inches wide.  Once you have sewed the strips you will want to make sure that you pin the back piece to the top piece making sure that the 2 are centered.  If you want to embellish even more with the border you can have 2 strips on each side.  Another way to add some character is to sew in ribbon that can be machine washed.  I would suggest to get the 1 1/2 inch ribbon if you decide to add the adjustment.  If adding the ribbon you will just want to place the ribbon in between the right sides when initially sewing the 2 pieces together.
I would love to hear any other ideas you have to add character,  If you would like to try batting in between or pin quilt etc.  Let me know.  I would also like to see your end result.  If you would like to have your picture featured just email me and I will add it to the post.
kirsten.mcdougal@gmail.com

1 of 3 Series - How to make a burp cloth

What you will need:

• 2 pieces of flannel fabric cut out to match that of the video
• string that matches your fabric
• sewing machine
• scissors

You will want to pin your pattern to the 1st piece of fabric.  If you are following the previous blog post and got enough fabric for 2 burp cloths you will want to double up your fabric to cut out 2 pieces at the same time.

Once you have cut out your fabric you will take on of each types of fabric and place the right sides together.  Line up your fabric to the edge of the sewing machine foot leaving yourself about 3/8 of an ince from the edge.  Begin and go about 1/2 inch then press the reverse/reinforcement button to back up the needle back to the beginning.  Once at the beginning again release the reinforcement button and sew continuously around your fabric
You will want to sew all the way around the fabric leaving only 3 inches remaining.  Select your reinforcement button going back 1/2 inch and continue forward back to the 1/2 inch. 

Raise your needle, then raise your foot, slowly pull out your project and cut off any excess string.

You will now want to turn the right sides out gradually taking your finger and sliding it across the inside pushing out your seam and also checking for any areas where you may have missed sewing  the 2 pieces of fabric together.  If you find that you have missed a spot you can easily turn your fabric inside out and sew up the missing area.
The last thing you will want to do is sew up the last 3 inches.  Place the needle as close to the opening as possible and start sewing.  You will want to reinforce the beginning of your seam as well as the end.  Cut off the excess string and you are FINISHED!!!

Series of 3 - Burp Cloth, Baby Blanket, Receiving Shirt

This project has been enjoyed by many of my friends with little babies.  To explain this project comes in a 1 in 3 series were I will supply the patterns and steps to follow to make:

• a 32 inch baby blanket
• 2 burp cloths
• Diaper/Receiving Shirt

In order to complete the 3 projects you will need:

• 1 1/3 yrds of patterned flannel fabric
• 1 yrd of solid colored flannel fabric (optional - buy an extra 1/4 yrd for embellishment on the receiving shirt)
• multipurpose sewing thread
•  1/4 inch ribbon
• (optional) hidden button
• Sewing Maching
• Scissors
• Needle to thread by hand

This is a very inexpensive project for a baby shower gift.  Depending on the fabric the project should only cost around $12.00 or less depending if you already have some of the basic supplies.