“B” is for “book”, “bib” & “baby” in today’s I Love to Create column! So sit back, relax, check out Jenny Ryan’s latest book (win a free copy–see details at end of post!), and check out my bib-making baby shower idea!
I frequently get books in the mail from publishers to review. Some are awesome….some are well, less awesome. It’s rare though, that a book is so adorable that it makes me squeal with delight. That’s exactly what happened though, when I started flipping through Sew Darn Cute: 30 Sweet & Simple Projects to Sew & Embellish(St. Martin’s Press)!
If you like whimsical projects that are as quick to make as they are cute to look at, then this book’s for you. With some basic sewing skills and the will to craft, you can make any of the items in Sew Darn Cute. My faves are a Cafe Curtain with fabric house and lawn appliques; the vintage tablecloth, Sewing Machine Cozy; an Apple Tree Fabric Collage, the Terry Cloth Towel Pouch; and of course, the Custom Vinyl Bib. I liked the latter so much in fact, that I decided to use it (with my own, added, crafty spin) at our baby shower!
Last weekend we celebrated the impending arrival of our little gal with a few close friends, tapas & bevies, and some craftiness! I don’t really do the whole cutesie shower game thing but, a baby party without an activity would most certainly be a bomb.
Me & My Mens at our Baby Shower
I had such fun painting onesies at my dear friend Jennifer Perkin’s shower though, that I took her cue, combined it with Jenny Ryan’s bib pattern and had myself a bib bonanza! Here’s how you can throw a paint party, yourselves…
Step 1: Pre-Party Prep
Before the party, print out the bib template from Jenny’s book.
Cut out as many rectangle pieces of fabric as you’ll have guests at the party (I used a combination of unbleached, plain cotton and patterned fabrics of all sorts.)
Trace bib template onto fabric fronts. DO NOT CUT OUT TEMPLATES at this point, though. They need to be cut out AFTER the vinyl is applied.
Step 2: Gather Supplies
The more supply options you have, the less scary it’ll seem for the less-crafty to participate. If you’re having a co-ed shower like we did and want to get the dudes to join in, I highly recommend grabbing a copy of Ed Roth’s Stencil 101–– it’s filled with all kinds of cool, graphic arts-inspired stencils.
Make sure supplies are all easy to see and there’s an example of both a before and after bib displayed.
Step 4: Get the Party Started
I find that it always helps to first server a little wine or beer to get people to lose their creative inhibitions. Then, let guests pick a fabric template to tape on cardboard, fill ’em in on the supplies scoop. For people who are nervous about the painting prospect, show them the iron-on & embroidery options.
This is a great project for kids to join in on, too. It keeps them occupied and let’s them feel like they’re part of the baby celebration. That’s a win-win in my book!
Step 5: Let the Crafty Magic Happen
Enough said. Step 6: Let Dry
A clothes line set-up outside is a great way to not only let the bibsterpieces (bibs+masterpieces) dry, but also display them for guests to admire.
Step 7: Post-party Assemblage
Following Jenny’s book instructions, iron-on vinyl over bib fronts, cut out templates, create fabric backing, sew on seam binding (this is a great opportunity to experiment with those decorative stitches that your machine has to offer!) and add a snap. You’ll end up with a little something that looks like these:
That’s all it takes to make your baby, biblicious with some crafty keepsakes that’ll tell a story for years to come!
Win a copy of Sew Darn Cute by posting your favorite baby shower ideas (or just your love of this one ;)) here. Post-ers will be entered into a drawing!
Have a creative Thursday!
xo,
Vickie
P.S. This article was written while listening to the “Baby Mix” from our party. I’ll post the playlist, later this week!
It was so fun meeting some YarnYAYers IRL. Thanks to all who were able to come out to the YarnYAY! studio Open House, and to all who continue to support my small business! 💓...
This just in: pre-sales for our 2023 Pride Box are now open (link in @vickiehowell bio)! This year's box features items from queer and ally-owned businesses including:
* 11 (inclusive pride flag) shades of Teacup Pigtails yarn from @oinkpigments
*Inclusivity (knit) Scarf and Intersectionality (crochet) Scarf patterns, by me
* Don't Standby canvas and vegan leather tote from @lanternpress
* Rainbow Pins from @battlebornpins
* Safe Space sticker from @ownyourpridemo
A percentage of proceeds from this box will go to benefit @outyouth, an organization supporting LGBTQ+ youth in central Texas.
We're continuing the celebration of YarnYAY!'s 5th anniversary, by entering every single subscriber to the May Box into a giveaway of FIVE, great prizes:
👉Grand Prize: 6 mo subscription ($244 value)
👉2nd prize: Choice of Shawl Kit (summer love knit scarf & gumdrop crochet scarf kit)
👉3rd prize: Hello Bargello prize - Any Kit up to $75 in value
👉4th prize: Vickie Howell Aqua Wooden Swift ($75 value)
👉5th prize: Hank of Urth Yarns 16 Worsted
If you're already one of our monthly subscriber, then you don't need to do a thing. You're already entered to win. If you're, though, subscribe at yarnyay.com (link in bio).
New to YarnYAY? Get 15% off your first box with code FIRSTYAY15
We're readying the studio for this weekend's YarnYAY! Open House. Will you be joining us? See below for details!
Psst... fans of fellow Buda-based businesses! We're sharing some of that community love. The first 20 people who mention @clubpilatesbuda @mercantileatmillandgrain or @budasreddoor will get a hand-crocheted scrunchie!
STUDIO OPEN HOUSE DETAILS
WHAT: Come celebrate YarnYAY!’s 5th anniversary and enjoy…
👀 A look at our cute space
🥂 Bubbly beverages & light snacks
🧶 Pop-up shop of yarn, kits & more
🧘🏽 Hangout and knit/crochet time in our comfy sitting area
🩳 YarnYAY! Trunk Show
✂️ Make your own stitch marker station
...and more!