Free Tutorial - Ruffled Scarf

In the spirit of the last minute Christmas gift....I present to you my ruffled scarf! This may serve those in the Northern Hemisphere better for the month of December but book mark it for your DIY 'must-do' list for winter for the rest of us. Inspired by my sister-in-laws cool black scarf on her last visit from NZ I went straight to the fabric store then straight to work.



Cut yourself a 2m length of a stretch knit fabric (mine is 187cm) and 30cm wide for the base of the scarf. Then cut approximately 35 strips of the same fabric, my pieces were about 30-35cm width and 7-8cm long. Cut them wider than 35cm if you want more of a ruffle than I have here.



Without finishing edges of anything sew the small strips of fabric across the width of the scarf base, layering them as you go. I didn't pre-gather the strips as I wanted a subtle ruffle on this scarf but might try a lighter knit next time with more of a gather. I just pinched little pleats almost in places along the strips and sewed a straight stitch across and Voila! You could always use elastic in your bobbin to get more volume :-)

Ed's note:

Decorating wooden letters tutorial

I covered the letter 'J' in this lovely paper for my nieces birthday. Just something simple and sweet to go on her door now she has her own bedroom. She is turning 10! Hard to believe how quickly she has grown up, I remember with great excitement the day she was born. I love being an Auntie! Jess also has the creative bug that I will be nurturing as she grows :-)

What you need to cover a wooden letter:

• Wooden letter/s (Lincraft or Spotlight, craft stores) [approx $3-4]
  
• 1 x A4 sheet of lovely paper - I got mine from Eckersley's [approx $2]
• Paint
  
• Can of adhesive spray (craft glue may do - but spray keeps your surface lump-free)
• Craft lacquer - optional (I used Craft Smart Glaze Paste)
• Self-healing mat / craft knife
  

1. Paint the back & sides of the letter in a complimentary colour, allow time to dry
   
2. Spray front of letter with adhesive
3. Spray paper with adhesive
4. Lay paper down on flat surface, adhesive side up
5. Press your letter onto the paper, adhesive side down & wait till dry
   
6. On a self-healing mat or thick cardboard, cut around the shape of the letter with a sharp craft/stencil knife (one for parents to do)
7. Paint over paper with a clear lacquer to give a nice shiny surface and a 'finished' look
8. Attach with 3M adhesive wall stickers

A very quick and easy way to let your kids express themselves by doing something creative! Of course you could add ribbon, buttons, sequins or motifs to a lovely plain textured paper also.