Happy Fourth of July from Wonder Woman!

Bedrail Cover Tutorial

Vera has learned to climb out of her crib so she will be moving into a regular bed soon. We are skipping the toddler bed and going straight to a twin-sized bed with a bedrail. My mother-in-law found a bedrail for us at a rummage sale. It was in great shape but had a bright blue cover, not exactly the look I was going for. Luckily the cover was removable, and I made a simple slipcover for the rail out of unbleached cotton osnaburg (the same fabric I used for these projects).

Materials:

1 1/2 yards of fabric

21" (approx 3/4 yard) Velcro

Coordinating thread

Sewing machine

Fabric marking pen

Pins

Rotary cutter or scissors

Serger or pinking shears

Tape measure or ruler

Instructions:

All seams are 1/2" unless otherwise noted.

First, trace your existing cover, adding 1/2" to the sides and top and 1" to the bottom for seam allowance. Cut two, one for each side of the cover.

Press the bottom edges of both pieces 1/2" then another 1/2".

Increase your stitch length to 3.5 and edge stitch the bottom hem for one side of the cover only.

Measure the zipper on the bottom of the original cover. Mine measured 39" so I cut a strip of fabric 40" x 7" long. This will become a flap with velcro at the bottom of the cover. Fold the strip of fabric in half lengthwise, right sides together, and sew both short ends. Trim the seams, clip the corners, and turn right side out.

Take the other side of the cover, the one with the unsewn hem, and lay wrong side up. Tuck the raw edge of the flap into the bottom hem of the cover, making sure it is centered. Pin in place.

With your stitch length still set at 3.5, edge stitch the hem, sewing on top of the flap as you go.

With the cover still facing wrong side up, press the flap down toward the bottom of the cover.

Turn over so right side is facing up and pin flap in place. With your stitch length still set at 3.5, edge stitch.

This is how the cover will look from the right side (outside) once the flap is finished.

Pin the two main cover pieces together, right sides facing. (Make sure you set your machine back to its standard stitch length, usually 2.5. If you're unsure of the fit, you can first sew the two pieces together with a basting stitch, then test the fit on your bedrail frame before sewing together with a smaller stitch length). Sew the two pieces together along the sides and top, leaving the bottom side with the flap open. You can use either a serger or pinking shears to finish the seams.

Turn right side out.

Cut seven 3" lengths of velcro (both the hook and loop sides). The soft side will be attached to the main cover and the rough side will be attached to the flap. Mark the main cover 2" up from the bottom edge, spacing the marks 3" apart. Repeat for the flap, marking 1/2" from the outer flap edge.

Sew on the velcro.

Pull the cover over your bedrail frame and secure with velcro.

Dress for Silent Auction

One of Zach's pharmacy school organizations recently held a silent auction. I donated one of my dresses and am happy to say it helped raise $40 for the organization!

Christmas Dress

For the past few months I've had an image in my head for a special holiday dress for Vera. I wanted a gold triangle print for the bodice, peter pan collar, and exposed gold zipper in the back.

I used Butterick's B5912 toddler dress pattern  (view B with the peter pan collar and puff sleeves). The pattern was fairly easy to follow but I had a lot of trouble with the collar. I've sewn peter pan collars before without any problems, but had to rip out the seams twice on the collar of this dress! I didn't love the size and shape of the collar either, so I made a few adjustments. I would probably draft my own collar next time. On the positive side, the sizing was accurate.

I wasn't able to find a metallic triangle print so I decided to make my own. I used DecoArt SoSoft Metallic Fabric Paint in Glorious Gold and made a stencil out of freezer paper. The nice thing about freezer paper is that one side is coated in wax, so you can iron it on to fabric and it will temporarily stick. It's perfect for stencils and cutting out shapes for appliques.

I used premium bleached muslin for the bodice and a cotton/polyester blend broadcloth for the skirt. The skirt looks somewhat gold in the pictures, but it's actually a warm green color...I believe it's called "Avocado".

And I couldn't resist making a coordinating hair clip. It's mistletoe!

Hello Aunt Edna

The fresh fabric combination of this romper has a retro vibe, just like your great Aunt Edna! Made from 100% cotton, the Aunt Edna Bubble Romper features a ruffled waistline and ruffled leg openings, three-button closure at back and hidden four snap closure at bottom. The bodice is fully lined and all seams are professionally finished to prevent fraying. Also available as a dress!

The Evelyn Top

Made from 100% cotton, the Evelyn Top features a Peter Pan collar, exposed zipper closure at back and drop waist with peplum detail. Fabric tab behind zipper protects little one's skin. Bodice is fully lined and all seams are professionally finished to prevent fraying. Available in sizes 18 months - 4T.

Triangle Top

Introducing the Triangle Top! Available in sizes 18 months through 4T.

Geranium Dress for Vera

I recently tried out Made By Rae's adorable and versatile Geranium Dress pattern.

I actually made Vera the Geranium top, but hemmed it about half an inch longer than instructed in the pattern so it hits right above the knee. I also made a slight modification to the flutter sleeves to hide the raw edges. I used the same fabric as the Peachy Keen Dress, Mojave in Opaque by Leah Duncan.

My Li'l Cupcake

Vera has a very sweet Halloween costume this year...

It's the Li'l Cupcake Dress!

Flora Tunic

Introducing the Flora Tunic, by Minnie Millery

Reversible Baby Sun Hat

Earlier this month I shared a baby sun hat tutorial and pattern and promised to share a follow-up if I made a reversible hat.

This is super easy to do if you have a sewing machine with a button hole stitch and foot. First, follow all the steps from the original tutorial.

Next, you need to add a button hole on each side of the brim. Measure 3/8" away from the base of the crown and make a mark. (You want the button holes to be perpendicular to the seams in the brim.) Choose a button that will make a button hole slightly longer than the width of the chin straps. Sew the button holes and cut out the fabric inside.

When you want to reverse the hat simply pull the chin straps through the button holes.