Recycled Tee Camera Strap Cover

I have been needing a camera strap cover for a very long time now. I had elaborate plans to make one that had various pockets. I like the look of the patchwork ones that I have seen in various places, but was concerned that they would not be very comfortable. I decided to use an old t-shirt so that it would nice and soft around my neck. I also decided against pockets this go around to keep it nice and simple.

What you will need:

t-shirt or knit fabric

batting or flannel

sewing machine

Cut 2 pieces that are 4" x 11.5". If your t-shirt is big enough, you can cut 1 piece that is 4" x 23".

Then with right sides together sew the 2 pieces together along the short end. I used the hem of the shirt so that I would not have to hem the bottom.

Cut a piece of batting the same size as the t-shirt piece.

Sew straight lines the length of the fabric to attach the batting to the knit fabric.

Fold the piece in half with right sides together. Sew the length of the strap forming a tube.

Turn the tube right side out. Then feed your strap through the cover. Ta-da.

Now you have a comfy, stylish, and eco-friendly camera strap cover.

If you make one, please make sure to add it to my flickr group.

T-shirt Headband Tutorial

I have a slight obsession with fabric headbands. My hair is fine, thick, and wavy, which most of the time equals unruly. I have found that throwing on a headband is the easiest way to control my crazy hair.

I made this headband last November and it quickly became my favorite headband. It's comfy, goes with lots of outfits, and the flowers add a little interest.




So I thought it was time to make a few new ones. I used the same t-shirt as before. It is a super soft Gap shirt that I found at the thrift store. I bought it to actually wear, but it was too small. I have been holding on to the remnants for the perfect project. I made 3 different versions for my various needs.

The first is a thinner headband to be used when my hair is not quite as unruly.

I started with a strip of t-shirt that is about 2.5 inches x 14 inches.

Then I cut down the middle of the piece with my rotary cutter. Do not cut all the way to the end. Leave 3 inches or so uncut on each end.

Make another cut just like the first one.

Then another cut below.

When you stretch the headband, the strips will curl up. You may have to turn your piece over depending on which side was up when you started cutting.

Next take one end and fold the sides in like so.

Then fold over again.

Sandwich the elastic in between the folds.

Zig zag the elastic in place. Then repeat with the other side.

My piece of elastic is 5 inches long. I would recommend sewing one end then trying it on to see how tight you want it. The elastic does stretch over time so I would go tighter rather than looser.

I tried to photograph myself with the headband on and was not successful so I had to call in a model. Here you can see the headband scrunched together or pulled apart.

I also have a favorite headband that I wear when I work out. Since it gets all sweaty and has to be washed frequently, I needed to have a back up. The one I have is store bought, but I knew that I could easily duplicate it.

I started with a larger piece of t-shirt. This one is extra wide to tame very unruly hair.

I used the hem of the t-shirt as the front of my headband. This piece is 4" x 14.5".

All you do is fold the end accordion style like so.

The hem will be on the top. It won't seem right, but trust me.

Sandwich the elastic between the folds.

Then zig zag and repeat on the other side.

The third one that I made was a hybrid of the two previous headbands. I cut it into strips, but I used a wider piece of fabric.

The options are endless.

Finally Finished

I finally finished my last wholesale order and delivered it last week. I have to say I was hoping to feel more relieved, but I am still feeling like I made the right decision. Here are some (bad) photos of the coffee cozies.

Note to self: do not use a yellow pillowcase as a background for photos again.

flowers

birds

owls

random

peace

I also made a reversible owl messenger bag along with some other goodies in case you missed it yesterday.

Happy Crafty Tuesday everyone!!

Before/After Kitchen Chairs

This project has been on my to-do list for a long time now. The cushions on the chairs in my kitchen looked horrible. They were in desperate need of a makeover. I finally found some fabric that I liked so all I had to do was recover the chairs. Seems easy enough right?

Here's my first attempt at a before photo.

Um, excuse me. This feels a bit like deja vu. Remember this photo.

He is starved for attention I guess.

Moving on. Here is a clearer view of the chair. Believe me this photo does not do the chair justice. They were really nasty.

After a couple of hours of wrestling with fabric and a staple gun all 6 chairs had a new look.

Awww. Nice and fresh now.

Upcycled Denim Art Purses

My obsession with art purses continues. This time I decided to use some denim that I had leftover from making these Garden Toolbelts. I made one for Harper as a trial run to try and work out any kinks. I originally decided to use the denim to eliminate the need for interfacing or an extra layer of flannel. However this denim is not really thick so the result was a little floppy. Harper does not seem to mind, but I knew that I would need to add an additional layer next time.

I made two more with a couple of modifications. These two are for my best friend's little girls. I am not even going to tell you when their birthdays were. It is rather embarrasing.

I made them art purses instead of notebook covers. I think they are easier to tote around with the handles. I added the extra layer of interfacing and also added a magnetic closure.

I am hoping this will cure my art purse and notebook obsession, but we will see.

Hootie the Upcycled Owl Tutorial

Here's what you will need:

fabric scraps or 1/2 yard of contrasting fabrics

felt

embroidery floss

sewing machine

pattern pieces (download below)

Download the pattern pieces here.

Hootie Pattern

edited to add (12/30/2011) -I have received several comments from people unable to access the link above.  Here is another link using google docs, so hopefully this will resolve the issue.

Google Docs Hootie Pattern

I hope you enjoyed the tutorial. If there is anything that is unclear, please let me know. If you decide to make a Hootie, please add photos to my flickr group. I would love to see them.