Summer projects

Here are a few summer projects from Mary Engelbreight magazine, that I thought were clever!...

GROSSGRAIN RIBBON BELTS!

(here is a link to the article on ME, or see instructions below)

You Will Need: (for one belt)
NOTE: You can make the belts wider or narrower; just co-ordinate the width of the ribbon with the size of the buckle, which is available in a variety of sizes. You can also make longer belts, especially if you want to tie the belt around your waist rather than fastening the buckle. In general, 1 1/2 yards of ribbon will make a long belt for waist sizes 6-10.
How to make 'em
1. If you are using a military-style buckle, first finish the buckle end of the belt by placing the end of the narrow ribbon about 1/2" from the end of the wider ribbon. Fold the wider ribbon over 1/4", then fold again, covering the raw edge of the narrow ribbon, and stitch across.
2. Make sure the 1/2" ribbon is centered over the wider grosgrain, then, starting at the finished end, insert a 1/2" strip of Stichwitchery®  in between.
3. Iron the layered ribbons, beginning at the finished end and heating about 3" at a time, adjusting the top ribbon as needed. Note that steam heat is essential for a good bond.
4. At the unfinished end, trim the ribbons so the lengths are even.
5. Topstich along both edges of the narrower ribbon using matching thread.
6. Attach the belt buckle on the finished end of the belt. Attach the metal tip to the unfinished edge, pushing teeth together with pliers (protect the metal end by placing an extra piece of fabric, or even a paper towel between the pliers teeth and the metal.)
7. If you want to use D-rings for a buckle, fold 2" of one end of the belt over the flat part of the loops. Stitch across 1/2" from buckles. Fold the short end of the ribbon under by about 1/4 and stitch across to secure.

1 1/2 yards of 1"-wide grosgrain ribbon
1 1/2 yards of 1/2"-wide accent ribbon
Matching thread
Stichwitchery® cut into 1/2" strips
Scissors
Belt buckle (Use either the military or Boy-Scout style buckle or two D-rings.
Metal tip (for other end of belt)
Pliers
Steam iron
Sewing machine

and then the lone drawer turned window/flower box!

(here is a link to this article)

Comments

[Jenn]

I'm on my way to school and work. But I had to say how sorry I am for the loss of Scout. Andy mentioned it to me out of the blue last weekend. I am truly sorry. Scout and Bailey were you're babies. As Remy is mine. I took him to the doctor last week just for a check-up. But he is fine. Last year I spent thousands because I thought Remy had Pancreatitis!
I have to go now, but Stacie I am very sorry. I do know how wonderful dogs are. :-) Keep the "Rainbow Bridge" in mind.