The Olympic quilt

Not too long ago, I read about a wonderful organization that takes fabric that would've been thrown away (because it was not in season or was being discontinued, not because it was defective or gross) and uses it to make quilt kits. These kits are used by people (like me!) to make quilts for kids in the hospital who are very sick or have been through some incredible trauma.

So, I signed up to make one, even though I've never made a quilt before. I was just so moved by this organization's mission that I told myself I'd learn, and even though it might not be pretty, it would be made with love.

So, while watching the Olympics in the evening, I assembled this quilt. Thus, the Olympic Quilt.

I am so proud of it. It's not perfect. Far from it, but I did everything on my own, without help (that is, as long as you don't count youtube). Usually when I do a sewing project I run to my mom or my sister for help, because they are WAY better than I am. But this time, I couldn't run to them. They were unavailable. So, I was stinkin' proud of myself for putting on my big girl panties and trying something new.

Now, I don't think I'm sold on the idea of quilting as a hobby, but it's nice to know the skill for the future. And in the process, I produced a wonderful quilt for someone.

Before I sent it off, I had everyone in the family give it a great big hug so that it would be full of love for the next person. I really hope this quilt can comfort a child who needs it.

If you're interested in making a quilt too, you can go here and request a kit. And if you need help putting it together, I can help! I know how! ;)

No-Slip Headbands

So, my wonderful friend Shelly gave me the most wonderful headband for Christmas last year. It had velvet on the inside, so it wouldn't slip off your head. I cannot tell you how frustrating it is to have those little wispies floating in your eyes while you're running or exercising. Likewise, it's annoying to have to readjust a headband mid-workout.  So when I discovered these headbands, I was over the moon. I went to the store and bought another one, but was a little taken aback when I saw how much they were charging (14.95). When I looked at the headband, all it seemed to be was a pretty ribbon on top, velvet ribbon on the back and an elastic. So, I set out to make one of my own.

With all the choices in ribbons, the possibilities are endless!

The velvet on inside keeps this headband in place

I think they turned our pretty great and seriously, you can head bang in these and they won't budge. You should definitely think about making yourself one! You don't even need to use them for exercising! You could put it in your hair in the morning and not have to fiddle with it for the rest of the day.

All you need is:

• Spool (or spools!) of a ribbon you like (I wouldn't use a sheer, but everything else seems to work pretty well)
• At least 15 inches of velvet ribbon in a coordinating color (if you're having a hard time finding velvet ribbon in your local craft store, you can find some here)
• 1/4 inch braided elastic (at least 6 inches)
• Coordinating thread

To start off, measured out all of my pieces. My headband ribbon ended up being around 14.5 inches and my elastic was about 6, but measure the ribbon around your head from behind one ear to the other. Stretch out the ribbon in the back to your comfort level. Mine ended up being around 6 inches. If you're unsure about your measurements, leave a little extra and you can adjust it later.

Next, fold the ends of both the ribbon and the velvet about a quarter of an inch under so you have a nice finished edge when you're done. Sew those ends under so you don't have to worry about them popping up later. You don't have to do this step, but I find the going easier later on if you do it.

Then, pin the velvet to your ribbon and slide the elastic into one of the ends and pin. Sew a down one side, around the bottom where you've pinned the elastic and up the other side. Stop at the corner, and slide the elastic into the pocket between the ribbon and velvet. Sew across the last side. Try on your headband to make sure it fits. If you need, pick out the stitches and adjust your elastic and sew it back in. Back stitch over the elastic once you've got it just right to really anchor it in there on both ends and then you're done!

Wear that bad boy with pride while you're sweatin' your guts out!

I'm workin' on a baby quilt

I'm not like most other expectant mothers out there. Instead of wanting to go out and buy all things pink and frilly when we found out we were having a girl, I started thinking about making my daughter a beautiful quilt.

I'm using this pattern by Cluck Cluck Sew.

It's a pretty simple pattern (which is good since this is my first quilt) and I liked the colors they used in the example so much that I am using the same fabrics they used. Right now, I'm in the cutting stage and will soon embark on the lay-everything-out-then-sew-it-all-together phase. I'll post progress photos as I continue to work on it. Wish me luck! And if you have any tips on how to quilt, or a method that works great for you, let me know! I'm all ears!