Quick and Easy Pajama Pants

Is there anything better than waking up on a cold morning wearing a warm pair of pajama pants?  Yes- the snooze button and more time under the covers!  However, since the latter is not often an option for our busy lives, let me show you how to make your own pair of cozy pajama pants:

{Step One: Gather Materials}
You will need a few yards of fabric for this project.  I found this snuggle flannel by chance one time and LOVED it.  I always go straight to the snuggle flannel, so I have a lot of it.  That's okay though, because I also love to make burp cloths like these.  However, a stretchier material might actually work better for this project.

After that, all you need is a sewing machine and thread! Plus a cord or ribbon to make your pants tie up.


{Step Two: Cut it Out}

 
If you are using another pair of pajama pants as a guide, then simply trace along the pants leaving enough room to make up for your seam difference.  I sew in 5/8 inch, but I heard that many are sewing in 1/2 inch today.  (Wow... that makes me feel old!)  When you get to the groin area, remember to trace where the seam is.

If you cut along the fold, you should have 2 pieces, if you did not, you should have 4.    Cutting on the fold is preferred, but (as in my case) I didn't have enough fabric to fit the pattern on it like that.

What I learned:  When you get to the waist, if it looks like it comes back in after flaring out at the hips- ignore it.  I curved it back in and my waist isn't as loose as it should be.  Remember, the pants tie closed to fit, so it is okay if the pants look big at the waist.


{Step Three: Sew Together Each Leg}

This step applies if you did NOT cut the pieces out on the fold.  Here you simply line up 2 pieces (right sides facing each other) and sew the inside of the leg pieces together.

The fabric on the top shows how it should look when you are sewing it.  The fabric on the bottom shows how it should look after you open it back up.


{Step Four: Sew the Groin}

After you have sewn the inside of both legs, open up the fabric and lay it flat.  Then, taking both full pieces, lay them down (right sides together), matching up the edges.  Next, you will sew along the "U".

I have been sewing for over 14 years and I still have trouble figuring out how things go together when I don't have a pattern telling me what to do.  For a second I thought I might have made a pair of snuggle flannel chaps!

{Don't worry, this is correct- just not held up that way!}

{Step Five: Sew Together the Outside}

Lining up the edges, pin the outside of each leg closed.  Then, go ahead and add a seam along these edges.  If the pins are hard to see in the picture, the arrows will show you where each side begins.

{Step Six: Make the Waistband}

At the top of the pants, fold a very small bit of fabric and sew it down (pictured above).  This way, when you fold the top hem shut, it will have a crisp edge with no fraying.  Fold it again the same direction, making enough of a space that the ribbon can move inside of it.  Remember, this should all be sewn on the inside of the pants (wrong side of the fabric).

All that is left on the waist is to cut 2 small holes where you want the ribbon to come out (generally one on each side of the very front seam).  You may hand sew this closed or cheat (like I did) and just put some of that no-fray glue on the edges.  

I apologize for not having pictures of this, but if you look at already owned pajama pants, you will see what I am talking about.

Then, just work your ribbon through the pants using a safety pin clipped to the end of the ribbon.  Some people don't like to do this, but I love running ribbon through a waistband!

{Step Seven: Hem the Pants}

I always wait to do this step last, because you never really know how long your pants will turn out after doing all the other sewing (especially the waistband). Or maybe that's just me. Either way, try on your new pants and figure out where you want them to fall. Then if necessary, pin them up and hem them. By this point, you're a sewing pro and hemming should be no problem for you!

 

{Your Turn!}

Pajama pants are one of the easiest things to sew and are just so comfortable! What I love most about sewing is that you are not limited to the fabric designs like you are with pants that you buy. I mean come on- how adorable are those owls?! I hope you have found my tutorial helpful and are excited to make your own.  If you still feel uneasy about not using a pattern, Martha Stewart offers a free printable pattern that you just download, print and put together.

Happy Crafting,
Kelsie Ann

LINK LOVE! Linked up to: Every Day is an Occasion

Fall Decorative Balls Made From Nature's Materials

It is Monday again- another week begins and we start to create our weekly to-do lists with starry eyes and hopeful intentions.  Monday brings a clean slate for our week, so we have got to make sure it is a good one. If you are still looking for some easy to do and inexpensive fall craft ideas to decorate your home, you have come to the right place.  Make a note of this for your week and in no time at all you can "check" it right off your list (after all, isn't that the best part of making the list?)

I want to pre-apologize for this post's pictures.  They turned out alright but I promise you, these decorative balls look MUCH better in person; especially the corn kernel one.  You will just have to trust me on this one long enough to make your own and see!

{Step One: Gather Materials}

For the materials in nature I tried three {3} different types: leaves (in greens, reds and yellows), indian corn kernels and some of those wild wheat sprays (I keep wanting to call them cat tails, but that's not right!).  Anyone know what these are called?

{Step Two: Glue on the Materials}

For the (oh, let's call them...) wheat sprays, I wrapped them around the ball in an angle but lined them up next to each other.  After finishing the first layer, I glued another layer on top of the previous one to help cover the bare spots.

For the corn kernels, I started by gluing them on in a straight line, then continued by filling in empty spots.  This was my favorite one to make!

For the leaves, I simply layered them around the ball and on top of each other.  Using a variety of leaf shapes and colors will create a unique design.

{Step Three: Place Around Your Home!}

These decorative balls can be used to fill up a basket, hang on the walls, or anything else you can imagine.  Since they are made from christmas balls, they already have a hook for hanging!

I love the ones covered in indian corn kernels, so I plan to make more of those for table decoration.  Imagine a variety of kernel shades all mixed together in a small basket or mini-milk crate!  How fall-esk!

{Your Turn}
I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial and are excited to make your own.  This craft is easy to make, takes no time at all, uses free materials AND is so perfect for fall!  Best of all, you can make them look however you want:  tighter leaf wrapping, brighter corn kernels, thicker "wheat sprays"... whatever your heart desires!

Happy Crafting,
Kelsie Ann

LINK LOVE!  Linked up to: Every Day is an Occasion

DIY Hard Shell Travel Case

Happy Thursday!  I know I say this every week, but boy do the days fly by!  At least the weather is nice... or at least it is where I live.  Anywho- today I want to share with you a project I have been meaning to get working on for quite some time now.

Let me explain:  In high school and college, I spent a low enough amount of money that I could keep track of all my spending in my head and by frequently checking online.  Well, now that I am married, it is harder to keep track of all the money going in, going out, from his card, from mine- it's a lot!  My husband keeps track of expenses using a computer tool, but we have to keep receipts to enter them in manually.  So... for the first time in my life I have to save my receipts.

Thus far, I haven't been doing so well.  Because of that, I decided to take my own spin on the travel baby wipe cases and make myself something to hold receipts as soon as I get into the car.  Clever, right?  I (and my husband) are hoping it works.

{I love how "adult" it looks- no baby wipes here}

{How to Make it}

Gather your materials and a hot glue gun.  From start to finish this took me less than 20 minutes!

I wont go into too much detail, since this basic idea can be found on "how to decorate baby wipe cases" tutorials.  I will however; give you a few hints on things I learned along the way that might help.

First, cut 2 pieces of fabric slightly larger than the case front and back.  Proceed to glue them directly to the case.

This is where mine is different:  Most of the tutorials you see have a piece of ribbon running along the edge to hide the end of the fabric.  I did not want that look, so I made my fabric long enough to fold into the inside of the case.  Before doing this, make sure your fabric is thin enough that the case will close!

{I let the fabric pieces overlap where the front and back meet *just a little* so that no plastic could be seen}

Second,  Finish gluing down all of the edges.  After I had already glued mine on, I wished that I had given myself more fabric to work around the closure clasps.

Third,  Attach any ribbons, buttons or other embellishments that you desire.  As I have mentioned a time or two: I love lace!  So, that is what I used.  It is entirely up to you.

Finish it off by cutting any loose threads or in my case, actually cutting the fabric off of the clasps.  I tested to see that it would close (because of thickness) but did not check the clasp part- oops!  Oh well, it was an easy fix.

{That's it!}

Really.  Quick and easy and really cute (at least, I think so!)  I am using mine to hold receipts so that they don't get lost in my purse, the bag or my backseat but you can use it for anything!  For some really neat ideas check out a post from Tip Junkie.  She has 12 awesome ideas including my favorite, a travel earring case!  I guess these cases aren't just for babies anymore.

P.S.  Are you loving the fabric I used?  Check out this post to see another project I did using fabrics from the same set.  I can't get enough of them!

Happy Crafting,
Kelsie Ann

LINK LOVE!  Linked up to: Every Day is an Occasion

DIY Wooden Home Decor Blocks

Hello and a BIG thank you to those of you who came back to check out my real  Monday post.  You guys are the best!  I promised you that it was a good one and I even surprised myself with how well these turned out.  Even more exciting, I took pictures along the way so that you (yes YOU!) can make this at home!  Let's get started shall we?

{Materials}
- 3 wood blocks
- Paper designs (If you like my design, I've included free printables!)
- Paint & Paintbrushes
- Mod Podge
- Acrylic Spray Coating

{Step One: Sand the wood}
Sand the blocks so that they are smooth and easy to handle. I also like to sand down the edges and the corners to both round it out and give it that distressed feel.

 {Step Two: Paint the wood}

Paint the front of the block. There is no need to paint the middle since your paper will cover that. If you so choose, paint the sides of the block as well. I chose to partially paint it and create a sort of "smokey" look. These are, after all, going to be in the fireplace room! It is all a matter of personal preference here.

{Step Three: Sand it again!} 

If you want that distressed/rustic look, lightly sand the front edges again. Be careful not to take off all the paint! I have never been very good at distressing, but I LOVE the way these turned out.

{Step Four: Attach the paper}

Next, cover the back of your paper with Mod Podge and attach to the block. Start at one end and smooth as you lay it down, keeping any bubbles or bumps out of it.

Want this design? Here are some free printables for you!
Always be joyful
Never stop praying
Be thankful in all circumstances

If you're curious, this message comes from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 which says in full:
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
   
{Step Five: Paint the paper edges}

We're almost done! Now, take a small paintbrush and add some paint to the edge of your paper (where it meets the wood). While it is still wet, smudge it with your finger, creating a distressed look. This is where it really starts to look neat!

{Step Six: Seal it up}

Using a clear acrylic coating spray, lightly spray the tops of the blocks. I don't know if this is necessary, but I chose to do it so that my ink and paint would not smear when I used Mod Podge. After letting that dry, cover the tops of the blocks entirely with Mod Podge to create a smooth and sealed up surface.

  
{Your Turn!}
I ended up LOVING this craft and am just tickled with how it turned out. I hope that I have given you inspiration to create your own at home! I would love to answer any questions that you have or to hear any feedback that you might have as well.

Happy Crafting,
Kelsie Ann

LINK LOVE!  Linked up with: Every Day is an Occasion and D.L. Art

Worth the Wait...

Happy Monday my crafty friends!  Do you ever have those days where it feels like you have a million and one things to do?  That is the kind of week I have had.  Don't get me wrong- I sort of dig it, but it puts a damper on my crafting.  In addition to that, nearly all of my craft supplies are still at my mom's house (I just got married this summer and my craft room is not ready for the supply yet!) so I have to run over there to work on my projects.  Thank goodness she only lives 12 minutes away.

But don't you fret!  I've got a project for you!

It's just not here yet. But it will be- later today. For those of you who check out my blog early on Monday and Thursday mornings, you know that I have my posts up around 9 am. I wanted to let you know that I will be posting today and I ask that you please come back later to check it out. I feel terrible for not getting it to you on time, but I will let you in on a little hint: It can be for Thanksgiving or for anytime and.... it comes with FREE PRINTABLES!

I'm telling you: you don't want to miss this one, even if I am a total bum for making you wait.  You may now boo me and throw tomatoes at the computer.

Thank you for being patient with me and for being such awesome followers!

Happy Crafting,
Kelsie Ann

Fall Pillow

Hello! Hello!  Happy Thursday everyone!  Today is a good day because my husband is off work for Fall Break (yippee!)  I love the fall and it is certanly in the air around here.  One of our trees outside has already turned entirely red and it is BEAUTIFUL!

 

{The tree on the right is just across the driveway from the one on the left.  Isn't it neat seeing the leaves actually changing from green to red?}

Now that we are all in a festive fall mood, let me share with you a fall pillow that I made:

I'll be honest, I actually made this pillow ages ago (sorry, no tutorial) but I can tell you how I made it.  It's simple really:

{How to Make it}
1. Gather desired fabrics.  I used three (the striped, the white and the brown used for the tree).
2. Sew the contrasting fabric pieces together, resulting in a "front" and a "back" of a pillow.  Keep separate for now.
3. Cut out a fall-looking tree.  This was made before I had my Silhouette cutting machine, so I just drew the image myself.
4. Attach the tree to the fabric.  Fabric glue should work just fine, but if you feel more comfortable sewing it on, go right ahead.
5. Attach ribbon to each piece (front and back), covering where the fabrics join.
6. Apply your message.  This can be embroidered, cut from fabric, whatever you choose.  Want to know a little secret?  Mine was made using a rub-on!  No special kind, just a regular scrapbooking rub-on.  I wouldn't suggest using this if you want to be able to wash the pillow; but it is a great option for wording and if you mess it up, you can just pick it off and start again!
7. Sew the front and back pieces together, leaving one end open.
8. Stuff the pillow and sew it shut!

{I love the bare tree, the colors, the stripes, the message!  All perfect for curling up with a cup of hot cocoa}

  
{Your Turn!}
I hope you have enjoyed this (sort-of) tutorial and are inspired to make your own fall pillow! As always, I love hearing your comments, so don't be shy! Now go off and enjoy this beautiful fall day.

Happy Crafting,
Kelsie Ann

  
LINK LOVE!  Linked up with:  Every Day is an Occasion and D.L Art

Stay Warm & Stay in Style

Happy Monday!  Is it just me or does anyone else feel like the weeks are flying by?  Can you believe that we are halfway through October already?  Although I am sort of a wuss when it comes to cold weather, I welcome the fall and winter with open arms!  I love everything about the crisp air, changing leaves and yes, in time... the snow.  It's all magnificent. 

What is just as exciting is finding cute "cold weather clothes" to sport during this time.  Today I am going to show you how to turn Dollar Store Gloves into stylish and affordable wear for the upcoming seasons.

{Classic Lace Gloves}

I am a sucker for the "classics":  Classic books, classic clothing, everything!  In my teenage years I bought a typewriter just because I loved the nostalgia of it so much.  The classic thing I think I love most?  Lace. (You should have seen my wedding dress!)  It is so delicate and beautiful that it makes whatever it touches look so... classy.

Materials:

Really, that's it.  Lightly glue the back of the lace pieces to the gloves, let dry and enjoy!

{Vintage Inspired Gloves}

You could have probably guessed this by now, but I love vintage buttons, broaches and pins!  My mom and I love going to garage sales, flea markets and the like to dig through piles of "junk" in order to find a few {real} vintage pieces.  We may have been known to buy sets of earrings just to take off the back and use them for something else. What's great is that now, vintage is IN!  That means that stores are selling pieces that look vintage but you can buy them in bulk. 

Materials:

 {I almost used pieces we had from an old pair of earrings until I found these buttons- aren't they just wonderful?  I love that shape}

How to do it:

{It should be a crime for this to be so easy}

{Red Nosed Reindeer Gloves}

I know I jumped straight to Christmas with this one, but you need to be prepared for wintertime too!  My favorite Christmas movies are It's a Wonderful Life and of course the 1964 Claymation Rudolph, The Red Nosed Reindeer.  So, instead of trying to make gloves with a tiny George Bailey on them, I opted for our favorite Red Nosed Reindeer.

Materials:

  {For the vinyl shape, I used "patterned baby deer" from the Silhouette store made by Alaa' K.  I removed the inside design for this craft}

How to do it:

 Simply follow iron-on instructions that came with your vinyl.  For the nose, I suggest gluing it down first (with fabric glue) and then stitching it on snugly.  That way, his nose wont fall off!

{Your Turn!}

I would love to see the designs that you came up with to keep warm and stay stylish this cold weather season.  And, as always I love to hear any feedback that you might have on my projects, the blog or anything!

Happy Crafting,
Kelsie Ann

Link Love!  Linked up to: Every Day is an Occasion and D.L Art