New apron from an old favorite dress

Oh, I miss my blogging sooooo much. My dear computer had been ill and went through so many procedures but now we are celebrating its full recovery and I am celebrating my return to blogging. Despite the fact that my favorite PC didn’t feel so well, our life didn’t stop and our projects are happily piling up for new announcementsJ I guess we will be able to do 365 DIY projects without any $$$ spent.

I have never considered myself a sentimental person but I guess I am. This cute dress had been given to my daughter on her second Christmas by my best friend, and guess what, I couldn’t donate the dress, I couldn’t give to anyone, I wanted to keep it , because I still have good memories about that Christmas and the good times that we shared. OK, I am sentimental….. I couldn’t put in a garage in a pile of OTHER stuff, I wanted to use it, or should I say, re-use it? Upcycling is the wordJ

What should I do with it? Let’s think…..

Few cuts

.... and tah - dah!

New apron is ready!

I am pretty happy with my results: first of all it is a very practical thing and we can use it for few years fro sure, but I was also been able to use old pillow case as a liner for this apron, white ribbons are from recent gifts we received and I still have some fabric left for few more projects to do. The best part of it - money spent? - None.

Girlie Girl Necklace out of tights

My daughter, who is not even 3 yet into necklaces, purses and hats. I was looking through craft magazines at a bookstore (my usual thing) and found an interesting idea: necklace out of silk scarf. Well that project required sewing and etc. I don't have that much time:( So.... Let's make similar necklace from nylon tights! No sewing what so ever! Fast and effective - as I like it!

You'll need nylon tights in any color. I am using tight for 18-24 months kids in red.

8 beads 1/2" in diameter and 1 center one3/4" in diameter (I am using a bouncy ball as a center piece and 8 mismatch color beads from my daughter's old ponytail things

Let's begin.

Cut off the leg portion of the tights you are working with.

Tie a knot leaving some room at the end.

Insert a 1/2" bead. Tie the knot again.

That's the main idea - each bead will be separated by a knot .

In my case, I've used nine beads. When you are done with the last one, tie the last knot to secure the final bead and tie the leg piece filled with beads to another leg piece creating a bow. Do the same on the other side of your necklace. Trim extras to create a flower effect.

You are done!

I guess. I've got my daughter's approval - she seems to like it!

Soft Toy - Robot Robbie - Tutorial

My daughter loves Yo Gabba Gabba on Nick Jr. Her favorite character is Robot Plex but she calls him Robbie?! Well, I've decided to create something similar, especially when you have a piece of furniture foam laying in the garage:)

The piece I am talking about was 30" long 11" wide and 4" deep.

You will also need yellow felt or fleece fabric, black felt for face and some body trim, white felt for eyes, I've used my old Thermal Suit in Silver Color for arms, legs and chest pocket, but you can use any material of your choice. You will need some buttons to decorate the body and some thick black thread for decorative stitching.

Step 1. Cut out your foam piece into head, body, hands, feet and neck

Step 2. Time to practice your gift wrapping technique. That's what I was using wrapping each piece in yellow fabric and securing ends with yellow thread. It's fast and fun.

Step 3. Create the face of your robot

Step 4. Create arms and legs. In my case, I've used regular rope for arms and legs, because I needed something sturdy to attach feet and hands to, and I covered the rope with sliver material sewn into sleeves. Note: make sure you'll put your sleeves on arms and legs before you'll attach feet and hands.

Step 5. Assemble your robot and decorate the way you want it:) Congratulations - you are done!

The finished size of our robot is 39"and he is as tall as my daughter:) So far, he's been a great help in our daily routines and we highly recommend to have robots at home, especially if you are dealing with potty training, not eating veggies and some other serious stuff.....