Wowzer Wed-Block Dress

This Wed. wowzer isn't so much of a wowzer as it is leftovers. I had this pack of onesies that I bought for my daughter that are 24 months. I usually don't mind that old wearing a onesie but honestly Elizabeth is such an advanced little thing I feel silly putting her in baby clothing. Even though she is only 19 months. So I decided to take one of those onesies and make it into the top of a dress. And since it is BLOCK WEEK we are making the bottom of the dress out of blocks of fabric.

So here is what you need:
-a onesie or t-shirt top
-3 strips of stretchy fabric, like jersey or t-shirt material
-1/2 inch elastic *measure your child's waist where you want the skirt part to start and cut your elastic to that size

Instructions:

1. Cut your fabric into strips. Mine were 16 inches long and 4 inches wide (except the bottom strip which was 5 inch wide). Make sure you cut 2 strips of each piece, one for the back and one for the front.
2.Pin and sew your strips together. I sewed them with wrong sides together because I like the look of the rolled seams but that is up to you.

3. Sew the two pieces together with right sides facing. Now you have a tube.
4. Sew a long stitch across the top. This is for gathering.
5. Cut the onesie bottom half off. I cut it about 3 inches under the armpit.

6. Use the bottom half of the onesie and cut a 2 inch piece. (It should be a tub shape. This will be the casing for your elastic).
7. Take your elastic piece and sew the ends together. I like to layer then to get a smooth seam but that is up to you. Now you should have a tub elastic piece.
8. Place your elastic inside the onesie tub piece that you cut (the casing).

9. Pin your casing to the top of the onesie with raw edges matching. Then sew the casing to the onesie top and try not to sew on the elastic.

10. Gather the top of the skirt so that it is the same size as the elastic part of the top. Pin it in place on top of the elastic (with the wrong side of the skirt on the right side of the top, does that make sense?) This way you will have a cut ruffle where your top and skirt meet. Then sew directly on the loose stitch attaching the skirt to the elastic.

And you are done now you have a cute play dress made out of leftovers. No need to hem the bottom because it is jersey fabric and doesn't fray. If you want you hem the bottom you can.


Sorry about the pictures, Liz wasn't willing to cooperate for pictures today. AAHH toddlers.

I tried to bribe her with the pig but all she wanted to do was kiss it.

**I was going to post WIWW but my new camera is not cooperating and the pictures are really bad. So You will have to wait until next week to see my wardrobe.

Picture Blocks

Welcome to BLOCK WEEK hosted by A Couple of Craft Addicts. Blocks are so versitile, and great for crafting. What a perfect shape, right? Well...we decided that this week would be devoted to the block. Every project this week will have something to do with the block shape in one way or another and we will be having a great giveaway at the end of the week. So make sure you take notes and pay attention to each craft (jk). But do tune in each day for a new idea.

The first craft I wanted to share with you is a simple craft but very useful and has a great impact. It is picture blocks.

Here is what you need:

Go to Home Depot or your local hardware store and buy a 2x4. I had the wonderful people of Home Depot cut my 2x4 into 6 inch pieces and I ended up with around 15 pieces for around $3.

-3x5 inch pictures that you would like to display, make sure you print them in matte finish not glossy (the glossy will smear)

-a hand sander
-sand paper
-acrylic paint
-mod podge
-stickers or embellishments of your choice


STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Use your hand sander to sand all the sides of your blocks. Just get rid of the rough edges.
2. Paint your blocks on all the sides leaving a square on the face of the block. If you want to put pictures on both sides leave a square on each face side.
3. While you are waiting for the paint to dry use a corner punch to round the edges of your pictures (optional but it looks finished)
4. Once the paint has dried use the sand paper to distress the edges of your block by hand. You can do heavy distressing or light or none. It just depends on the look you want.

5. On the unpainted square apply a layer of mod podge and glue your picture to the block. Make sure you smooth out any bubbles. Then apply a thin layer of mod podge over the top of your picture.
6. Once your picture is dry apply your embellishment or sticker and enjoy.