Alisha - Rainbow Hexie Update!

First let me say that I absolutely love the way this quilt is turning out. I wasn't sure I would like the rainbow effect but boy is it stunning! If you follow me on flickr then you saw the last update for my rainbow hexie quilt but look at it now!! This is 370 hexies measuring 1" on each side. I've been funding my rainbow hexie quilt with all of the rainbow charm swaps I've been in, 2 of which were 5 yard swaps! I can't wait to add more hexies!

Can you see my acrylic ruler on the right? It measures 24" to give you an idea how large the quilt top is at this point. I'm guessing the top measures about 34" x 28"
I've considered putting the rainbow on the diagonal starting with yellow maybe? What you think?


And just because they look so cool, here are the hexies stored..

Also last week I was able to finish up a really cute skirt for Anika. You can find a tutorial by Made by Dana here. I really like how it turned out but if I make it again I might make the ruffles a bit wider so they cover more of the connector pieces. I also would love to get my hands on a serger as this skirt would be so much more pretty inside!

Last but not least I was able to get my hands on a twin size quilt kit for the Spiked Punch pattern. Pink, red and aqua will look lovely set against the Kona white. I'm going to try and start this soon!

Alisha Pin It

Alisha - Turn pants into shorts!

So, a few days ago my daughter was playing in her room, I mean terrorizing her room when she ripped a nearly new pair of pants. She's literally worn them 3 times, they are the cutest pants from Old Navy that role up and button into capris for spring (she also has a pair in light grey). To say the least I was not amused and refused to throw them out - they were still new'ish right? Ashley can tell you, I don't sew clothes. Beautiful quilts, yes. Clothes, no. But I was determined to save this pair of pants by turning them into shorts. I'll give you a run down on how I did it and hopefully it will help you to save a little money too!

For starters let's take a look at the pants.. See the rip on the knee?

Here's the close up.. Not a small tear but a gaping hole!











First things first, lay out your pants as straight as possible. Pull the crotch out and lay one leg on top of the other making sure they're even.

Next you'll want to cut above the tear. Be sure to cut as straight as possible, I used a rotary cutter but you could use scissors if that's what you have at hand.

I tried to show in my picture that I cut fairly close to the tear because I was afraid my daughter would end up with Daisy Dukes but use your best judgement.

Next you'll want to create a hem, I eyeballed mine at first and then went back and measured to be sure they were at least somewhat close to matching. You can see I was a little off so I just adjusted the hem until they matched.

** I folded the pant legs over twice so all raw edges would be encased in the hem **





I would recommend trying them on your little one before you pin so you can check the length. And there I was worried about Daisy Dukes, more like pedal pushers!

Next, pin like it's go out of style! I used 3 or front to just tack everything down and then went back to add more pins. I found that while I was sewing the inside of the shorts would shift and you'd end up with a bubble and a big pleat if that happens. I know, you're groaning but I don't like pinning either.

** In the picture the shorts are a bit askew but I assure you they're straight. **

Next sew the leg hems. I used the edge of my presser foot as a guide. Pull out pins before you reach them so you don't break your machine needle. I've never broken one sewing over pins but you should be in the habit of pulling them before anyway.

** See all the pins? **






Cut all our thread tails and viola, you now have a new to you pair of shorts!

I need to work on laying my garments straighter but these shorts are even! Pin It