Not Your Average Hair Band!

Hello friends!

I was thinking about the new trend in hair bands - you know the ribbon looking ones that are something like $12 for 4 of them.

Well once again I thought, "Oh I can totally make that!" (and for a lot less money!) I headed to Nancy's, because they have a large supply of beautiful, elastic ribbon. You can totally make these! All you need is the ribbon and about five minutes! Then you can proudly wear you hair band on your wrist!

1) Cut ribbon into 6 inch strips. You will want to use more ribbon is you have thicker hair.

2) Hold ribbon so that the ends are touching, make sure your ribbon is not twisted at all.

3)Make a loose knot and make sure your knot is within about 1/4 inch of the end of ribbon.

 

4) Tighten the knot. You will want to pull as hard as you can without ripping the ribbon.

There you have it! 

You will want to add a bit of Fray Check to the end of the ribbon if you think it will start to unravel. Also, I learn that the thinner ribbon works better. I couldn't get the thicker ribbon to tie at all.

Craftiness Part One

Hello Friends!

So if you know me a little or have read this blog, you probably know that I often see things and say/think, "Hey! I can totally make that!" Recently I have been living up to my claims, and actually making the things I say I can.

I had a few ideas running around in my head, but I need a little something more. So I went to Nancy's. If you live in Seattle, love beautiful fabric, adorable buttons, or luscious ribbon go to Nancy's. Here is just a snippit of their ribbon collection. I swoon.

These pictures do not even include the amazing hand rolled silk flowers, the entire wall of Midori, vintage, and grosgrain ribbon . . . I could and do spent hours there talking with Susan about ribbon and buttons. I'm obsessed. I know this. Admitting you have a problem if the first step to recovery, right?

So after at least an hour in the ribbon room, I gathered some fabric, buttons, and of course ribbon, and headed home. Once there, I spread my purchases on the floor and got busy. Here is the before, and a few of the afters. I am headed to my mom's to share her trusty Singer for the rest of the projects!

These sweater are tried and true cardis, but they need a face lift. The screen and picture frame are also destined for greater things!

Honestly I am not happy with the way the fabric droops, and a trip to Michaels will hopefully remedy that, but I do love the way this cheery fabric brightens my boring magnet board! 

  

The screen and picture frame became and way to store and display earrings. I was inspired by some I saw at the Fremont Market. I decided it needed something else, so I added some amazing silk ribbon to the top.

My trusty cadri was adorned with a mix of buttons and the original buttons were replaced with hidden snaps and a lovely ribbon from Renaissance. I really love this sweater and cannot wait to wear it!

More craftiness is in the works! 

Craftiness! Ribbons and Flowers

Hi there!

My previous post about the lovely flowers of Emerson Made, got me scheming. So Friday after work, I headed over to my most favorite sewing store ever! (I must speak in superlative here.)

Nancy's Sewing Basket is tucked into the north end of Queen Anne, and is truly a treasure chest. Not only do they carry a wonderful assortment of unique fabrics, but they also carry luscious wedding dress fabrics, quality millinery supplies, some vintage items, and of course they have the ribbon room!

The ribbon room is the reason I am writing. It is small and literally packed with the most gorgeous ribbon you will ever see. The woman who works there is a connoisseur of all things buttons, ribbons, and silk flowers. If you live in Seattle, you simply must visit! Next time I go, I will take pictures to share, but really you should go there and see for yourself!

Here's what I brought home . . .

And here's what I made . . .

 My version of the Emerson Made Big Poppy made using advice from 100Layer Cake

 

I couldn't help myself, I had to buy some of Nancy's amazing handrolled silk flowers! I had to! I made them into a sash and tied little green french knots along the ribbon to give it a decidedly springy feel. Sigh.

  

 These are some ribbons I actually bought at Ester's on Bainbridge (another wonderful fabric store). The top one is made by Laura Foster Nicholson and the bottom one is Midori.

I did not have time to use the red poppy ribbon yesterday. I received an urgent phone call from my mother-in-law saying I must drop whatever it was I was doing and come to Salvation Army, because everything was 50% off, even their great antique department. I bought a fabulous faux fur jacket, and antique glassware.