Archive for the ‘Tutorials’ Category

We all see them—you know, those beyond adorable outfits and headbands that sparkle on every shiny new babe’s birth announcement. I’ve been lucky enough to start working with my new friend, Nicola (check her newborn photography out, you’ll be blown away!), on some of those outfits, wraps, and headbands for her studio. I thought that you might enjoy getting a little peek at what I’ve been creating and a quick tutorial on how you can make your own photo-worthy headbands at home! (Continue reading…)

a-full-tutorial-on-how-to-grow-a-luffa-gord-and-then-make-the-luffa-into-a-sponge

Flipping through the Burpee’s Seed catalog this spring was, as usual, way too inspiring. I flipped over the page and saw among the squashes: Luffa. I did a double-take and realized that not every bathroom sponge has to grow under the sea—I could grow my own Luffa sponges! I quickly added these miracle seeds to my order and anxiously awaited their arrival. A few weeks later, I was planting four tiny seeds into the ground, no idea what I was in for. Little did I know that these vines would take over at least a quarter of my giant garden & flower well into October; I’ve got enough Luffa to keep a small country squeaky clean. (Continue reading…)

rachel-rossi-design

Today I’d like to help out those who might be interested in quilting, but want to know what they are getting into before they take the plunge. I will say that quilting is a commitment and quite a process, but it is such a rewarding hobby—I wouldn’t change one thing about it (maybe ripping out seams…if there was a way to outsource that, I’d take it). So, what are you getting into when you step foot inside of that sweet little quilt store that you’ve been wondering about? Let me tell you… (Continue reading…)

dsc_2894-edit

If you remember, a few months ago, I tested a pattern for Wardrobe By Me called the Sneha Tunic. I have totally fallen in love with this pattern and made more tops just like my first one! It’s perfect for a comfy maternity knit top that will grow with you and still look fabulous. The top fit so well, that when I was looking for the perfect maternity dress for my baby shower and maternity photos, I decided to hack the Sneha pattern and use the top portion for a dress of my own design. I’ll give you all the details on how to hack this pattern for your own maternity dress in my guest post over at  the Wardrobe By Me Blog, but believe me—this is an easy peasy project for those of us who just can’t find the right maternity dress! (Continue reading…)

Today, I’m excited to present you with a tutorial that’s been in the works for a while: my very own Raw Edge Appliqué Tutorial! That’s right—a full, step by step tutorial on how to achieve a lovely little raw edge appliqué. This is the only type of appliqué that I use in my patterns, so you’ll always be able to check back here when you have a question on one of my patterns. If you’re an appliqué lover and want to see those patterns, be sure to check them out in my shop, or take a look at the photos below: (Continue reading…)

christmas-gift-for-neighbor

A few weeks ago, I was brainstorming with my Mom on what to get my neighbors and friends for Christmas. I had made small jars of Blackberry Jam earlier in the year for this purpose, but what else do you give with a little jar of jam!? After hearing my tales of the magic and overabundant Luffa in my backyard (a full tutorial on how to grow Luffa and turn them into sponges coming soon!), my Mom suggested that I ditch the jam and gift each person with a jar of homemade epsom salts and a luffa sponge. It was the perfect idea (that’s why she’s my Mom, I guess!) that incorporated my love of baths (who doesn’t love a bath?), essential oils, and gardening. Today I’m going to show you how to whip up this affordable and adorable Christmas gift, perfect for neighbors, church friends, family, and family friends!
(Continue reading…)

diy-changing-table-from-hoosier

Today is a show-and-tell sort of day! I’ve finally finished up reworking my Hoosier find (more like a steal) that I told you all about way back in the summer. I’ve long dreamed about turning a Hoosier—I guess mine is technically a Dutch Kitchen (we’ve always called it a Hoosier)—into a changing table, and I can’t believe I made it happen! I’m going to show you how I updated this antique piece to be a fully functioning changing table and share all the sweet little details hidden inside: (Continue reading…)

ruffled-christmas-stocking-sewing-pattern

It’s the final day of our Christmas sewing adventure! You’ll be hanging up your stocking and showing off your Christmas mantle to all your Instagram friends before you even know it! After seeing things start to come together yesterday, I can’t wait to see the final product today! Let’s get wrapping this project up:

Today, we’ll be following steps 17—22 from your pattern. (Continue reading…)

sewing-a-christmas-stocking

Yesterday we finished our frilly little cuffs; today is the day when you really start seeing things come together on your Christmas stocking. Just a little more sewing, one more day, and you’ll be hanging these puppies up! I’m pretty excited to get finished, so let’s get sewing, shall we?

Today we’ll be following along with pattern steps 8—16. (Continue reading…)

how-to-make-a-ribbon-ruffle

Here we are, day 3 of the sew-along already! Now that we’ve chosen our fabrics, and gotten everything cut out, it’s time to start sewing! Today we’ll be focusing on creating the cuffs, which really make this little Christmas stocking shine. If you need to get caught up, don’t worry—there’s always room for one more. Hop back to Day 1 (fabric selections) and Day 2 (cutting) and get caught up in just a few minutes. Now, let’s get sewing! (Continue reading…)

christmas-stocking-fabrics

Here we are! It’s the first day of the Crap, it’s Christmas Stocking Sew Along! It’s not that we hate Christmas—it is the most wonderful time of the year after all, there’s just some projects that you’ve been putting off that just make you say, “Oh Crap!” (Continue reading…)