This month I will be concentrating on figuring what projects to do for the next few months. If all goes well I will be using plastic canvas for one project, flowers for another project. and beads for third project.

This year for Fathers Day I made key chains out of plastic canvas and yarn. Here are a few of the designs used.

Corsages for Mothers Day

My friend wanted to learn how to make corsages. So I went to the internet to learn what I could.

Here are the ones I have pictures for.

cool neck ties

Supplies needed
Sewing machine
One half yard of cotton fabric will make 3 to 4 ties depending on how uneven the fabric is cut from the bolt.
Hydrating crystals (either from the garden department [SoilMoist granules] or the floral department [vase filler gel beads, Aqua Gems, liquid marbles] .)
Dowel 12 to 18 inches long could be used [I use a the handle of a wood spoon to facilitate turning the fabric tube.]
Adjustable zipper foot for sewing machine
Matching thread.
Measuring instruments [1/2 teaspoon and 1/4 cup or scoop] .
Funnel or wide straw 1/2 to 5/8 inch opening, to fill tube pockets. (used Plastic pipe one year.)
Dry towel
Ruler
Scissors

Instructions

Of 44 inch fabric you will need 4 1/2 inches of fabric for each tie plus a little for straightening the fabric edge. I clipped the fabric along the selvage edge with 1/2 inch deep clips, every 4 1/2 inch apart.
Then I ripped each piece off , clipping the salvage edge if it did not rip completely apart.

torn fabric strip



torn fabric strip folded in half


stitched


Fold fabric in half lengthwise. Stitch about 1/2 inch from cut or torn edge, using fine to medium stitch. (Don't want the crystals falling out when they dehydrate.)

end stitched



Stitch across one end of the unturned tube to facilitate turning the right side of the fabric out.
Use the implement of your choice to turn the tube right side out. Remove stitches at end of tube.



Finger press or iron the stitched edge creases. You may arrange the stitching at the edge of the tube or in the middle. Top stitch proximately 1/8th inch from top and bottom edges to keep folds sharp.


tube folded in half


Fold tube in half so the open ends are together, to find the middle.

6 " 3" Middle 3 " 6"

Stitch across the tube, this is our first stitching for marking and making the pockets. Measure and mark 3 inch and 6 inch from the center on both sides. These are your pocket stitching marks.

Pour first batch of crystals in to fill slightly less than the stitching mark. (about 1/4 cup) You don't want the pocket bulging, but to look like a little pillow.

Use towel to dry outside of tube, so you aren't dripping water into you sewing machine.
Stitch pocket shut on 3 inch line, the mark nearest the tie center.

Fill the next pocket, towel dry, and stitch. It doesn't have to right on the line but close.
Turn tube to other side and fill pocket next to center line. Towel dry and stitch. Fill last pocket, towel dry and stitch.

There are several ways you can finish the ends off.


blunt end

45 degree end














blunt wedge end

fringed
















Stitching line

folding line

Each cool neck tie will be approximately 1 3/4 in wide and 43 inches long using 1/8th yard of
44" cotton fabric.


Tips
I put 1/8 teaspoon crystals into 1/2 cup water, in 4 hours the crystals had swelled to 1/2 inch by 1/8 to 3/16" thick; yielding approximately 1/4 cup of hydrated crystals.

Don't put left over water or crystals down drain. I put my used water in a flower pot or outside.

Crystals can be dehydrated and re-hydrated several times.

Measuring spoon [1/8 teaspoon if putting dry crystals in each pocket.]

The Past

To view some of my previous crafting go to http://azcrafter.blogspot.com/

First

Making things is one of my passions. Helping others make things follows.
Paper is my main medium. A little food coloring, beads, paper clips, and glue help make the project.

Kirigami bows is my latest shared project. Next will be toilet-paper carnations.