15-Minute Bandanna Dress

Hey Everyone!!

So, I was playing with my sewing machine again today and I whipped up a little dress for Hannah.  I saw this tutorial for a bandanna dress posted on Pinterest and I had to give it a go.  As with Hannah's Busy Bag, I won't do a step by step on here since the tutorial is really detailed.  I just give you a few of my observations and suggestions.

First, when I went to Michaels, I wasn't sure if I needed a regular sized bandanna or the over sized one that they offered.  Hannah is in size 5-6 and a regular sized one was just fine.  A bit big actually.  The bandannas come in a variety of colors and only cost $2.99 a piece!!  I found some ribbon with a touch of bling on it for $1.99.  All in all, a cheap project!


Before I started, I ironed out all of my pieces.  I know I should have washed them first, but they need to be hand washed and I was in a hurry to get going.  Hannah won't be wearing the dress right away (I don't think), so I have plenty of time to wash it later.  One thing I noticed right away was that the bandannas were neither actual squares or the same size.  They were a touch off, but when I pinned them, I just made sure the bottom hem was even on both sides and pinned them appropriately.  I was originally going to square them off when I sewed, but then I realized that you would be able to see the off seam around the arms.  So, I simply pinned the edges evenly and forgot about the misshapen fabric.  Once the dress was on Hannah you couldn't even tell!!

All in all, this was a quick little project that took very little time to make.  Since my sewing machine is downstairs in the Dining Room and my iron is upstairs in my bedroom, I pinned and pressed everything in one step and then came down to sew all of it. 

Hannah loves her new dress!!  I will likely have to cut the ribbon a bit since it seems a bit long to me.  One tip regarding the ribbon...make sure you buy something that is not itchy.  I couldn't imagine using scratchy tulle or sheer ribbon...ouch!!

(Don't mind that she's modeling it over her school clothes!)

Before I go, I also wanted to give you all a preview of the quilt I started.  I am using a Disappearing Nine-Patch pattern, and this is the first Nine-Patch square I've made.  I still need to cut and reassemble it.  My local fabric shop doesn't sell pre-cut Charm Packs, so I had to match my own fabrics and cut them all by hand.  I bought a new straight edge today that should help speed things along, so hopefully this won't take me forever!  I'll post photos as I go along. 

Here's a close-up of the bug fabric that I used as my inspiration fabric. 

Happy Sewing!

Sharon

Me and my bright ideas

Hello All!!!

Happy December!!!

Sorry I haven't posted much lately. Life has been a bit crazy around here. Last week the hubby was out of town and I had a friend visiting, and this past week we were in the hospital with the little one. I did manage to start a sweater for her, and I promise that once I get a bit more into it, I will post photos.

Today I am writing about a new idea I had when Hannah was in the hospital. I know that many of my readers are fellow charity crafters, so I thought you'd be a good group to run this by. Please just virtually promise me that you won't run off with my idea and claim it as your own!!

So, with that said, while Hannah was in the hospital, she was miserable in hospital jammies. She begged to wear her own, but couldn't because she was hooked up to several monitors, IVs, BP cuffs, etc. When she was a baby, this was easily fixed by putting her in snap up jammies...the wires, etc could sneak out between the snaps. Unfortunately, this isn't so simple for an older child. So, she had to wear that nasty blue-green hospital gown that rode up every time she rolled over. So, while trying to calm her down, I wondered how I could modify regular jammies so they were more hospital friendly. The next time Hannah goes in, she'll be there for more than a week...and I don't feel like fighting the jammie battle with her again.

What I came up with was to make things like pants that are made of two separate pieces of fabric and then held together with snap tape. I also found a software company, Wild Ginger, who offers a free computer program that creates custom hospital clothing in all sizes!! How wonderful would it be for a child who has to be in the hospital long term to be able to wear comfy jammies in fun fabrics that don't get all bunched up when you move around?!?!

So, I am asking for opinions...do you all think this is a good idea?? I haven't approached any hospitals, etc about it yet, as I still need to make some test pieces. I am just hoping for some honest opinions as to whether or not you all feel this is a good idea or a silly one. Either way, I plan to make some clothes for Hannah's next stay...I am just hoping that maybe I can help some other little people get more comfy too.

Please feel free to post your comments...I look forward to hearing your thoughts and opinions!!!

Cheers!

Sharon