On the Cheap

I was a Jo Ann's the other day gathering a few crafty supplies when my two-year-old started getting into the merchandise. Usually I would be really upset with her tossing craft items into the aisles and running away with stuff, but this time I was pretty proud of her discovery- clearance iron-ons! I let her keep them with her, which satisfied us both. Now we can enjoy all those plain white onesies I have lying around. Our new little one is going to be so cute in these new digs!
They came in sets of two:
A is for Apple
B is for Bear,

C is for Cat
D is for Dog,
and
E is for Elephant
F is for Frog

Each for a whopping FIFTY CENTS. That is $.25 a transfer. Woo woo!

My usual method of applique just isn't on my list right now due to having a new baby and moving all at the same time, so this was just the solution. I started with two because, well, I have packing to do :). I think I'll save one set for a larger size onesie too.

My daughter was trying to get in this shot while eating a mouthful of saltine crackers. She added some of her crumb collection right on the B is for BEAR one. Thanks, sweetie.

Button Yo-yo's

Well, since yo-yo's are all the rage right now (although my husband still looks at these things and says, "I just don't see a yo-yo!") I thought I'd show you super fast how to make a button yo-yo, meaning, a yo-yo with a button in the center. I know, folks, it's all rocket science. For a SUPER tutorial on making a yo-yo, go here.


First, decide what you want the finished diameter of your yo-yo to be. I wanted a small one, about 2" across. Double your diameter and add about 1/2 inch for the seam allowance- this will be the size circle you cut out. I happened to have a little bowl that was almost exactly 4 1'2" across, so I just traced that using a fabric marker. If you want, use a compass to get your desired size.
Using a thick thread (I doubled my regular cotton thread), sew a running stitch around the entire edge of your circle, turning the edge in about 1/4" as you go. Sew close to the folded edge.

When you get all the way around, pull your thread to gather the stitches. The closer you make your stitches, the wider the "mouth" of your yo-yo will be. I did my stitches far apart, so the gathers are tighter. Sew into a few gathers and tie a knot to finish the yo-yo.


At this point, your yo-yo can be used to embellish. I, however, wanted to take it a step further and add a button to the center. I had a few buttons left in a button-cover kit, so I just followed the instructions and made my own custom covered buttons. The only problem with them was the button stem part (I don't know the technical name for it...). It made the button stand really high on the yo-yo.

I simply sewed the buttons on to the yo-yo! I think the result is really cute. I love how button yo-yo's look like flowers :).
I wanted to make these and put them on alligator clips for my daugher's hair, but since I didn't have little clips on hand, I just temporarily attached it to a headband. I'm not a particular fan of huge flowers and bows in kids' hair, so these little cuties will be perfect.

I was amazed that my little munchkin kept the headband on long enough for me to take the picture! She was happy to be a model for a minute or two :). This was the only picture I got with her not making a weird face, and still she is half-blink! What a sweet pea. She thought she was so pretty with her new yo-yo accessory.
I've seen yo-yo's used in lots of different ways- from the old bedspread idea to a purse to leading edges on drapery panels. There are some great examples on this blog. What would you use a yo-yo for?

'Tis the season of giveaways.

I sometimes feel like I advertise for Schlosser Designs. But I think her stuff is so simple and cute! She has a giveaway on her blog right now for some Father's Day tins that I think would make a great gift for dad or hubby. Obviously. I had forgotten the holiday was coming up! Go ahead and enter- you can have up to 5 entries! Can't beat that!