Ribbon Bow Hair Ties

I originally made these ribbon hair ties for my two youngest daughters for the Fourth of July.  (I apologize for the awkward photos.  One of my little models was being sort of wriggly!). I found a beautiful tutorial for these at The Ribbon Retreat's blog (there are lots of great ideas for ribbon if you are a ribbon addict like I am).  They were super easy to make and come together fairly quickly.  This project is also a fun way to use up scraps....you end up using a little bit of lots of different ribbons.  

 

 

I altered the directions slightly.  For the hair bow with the dark blue ribbon, I used their recommended lengths (7-8 inches).  When I made the bows for the baby, I used ribbons cut to about 4-5 inches.  Also, I just heat sealed the ends instead of using Fray Check...no waiting for anything to dry. ;).

The girls really enjoyed wearing the ribbons, so I made them a set of pink hair ties for every day.  I can see this continuing for all the holidays--Halloween, Valentine's Day, every color!

Twirly Skirt

Maddie loves skirts that are full enough to twirl around in.  (She has a twirl test, and apparently this one passes.)   I found this tutorial at Creating My Way to Success a while ago, and it was a great pattern to try since I'm still a real beginner as far as sewing goes.  Maddie chose her own fabric which explains why it is really colorful and covered in peace signs.  

 

The most challenging part of the skirt was measuring and cutting out the six triangular panels.  (Have I mentioned that math is also so not my strongest area?)  Once I got all the pieces cut out, it was pretty easy to sew them together and attach the waist band.  Instead of sewing a ruffled edge like she suggests (I don't have the right attachment for my sewing machine), I just folded the fabric over a 1/2 inch and sewed the hem. 

Maddie was happy with her new skirt.  It is perfect for warmer springtime and summertime weather.  She said it is super comfortable, especially with the stretchy waist band.  I am thinking that I may actually be brave enough to try another one.  

I just had to include this close-up of Maddie.  It is a little blurry, but I love it.  She is beginning to look so grown-up!