Camp Doll Diaries - Cooking Up Fun in the Sewing Studio

This tutorial has been a long time coming. I first designed this quick chef hat pattern for all the young women at my church to make for girls camp. I wanted to post a tutorial, and then decided to write a book instead. Many months later since then, the folks over at Doll Diaries, contacted me and wondered if I wanted to share a tutorial for all their doll diaries fans. I have two American Girl Doll fans right here in my own home, so technically, we all jumped at the chance to participate in their 2014 Camp Doll Diaries event this summer. If you are coming from the Doll Diaries site - welcome to my Kid Giddy blog. This post will show you how to make the Chef hat. If you have come to my site first - you can make your hat and then visit my Apron post on the Doll Diaries site.

Hi everyone, I'm so excited you are here. We love cooking in the kitchen, but we also love to sew. Today we are going to sew this cute chef hat, and matching apron, so pick out some cute fabric you love and let's get started.

These chef hats and aprons are fairly quick and require a little bit of previous sewing skills, or the help of someone who already sews. The cost of making your own hat and apron will be approximately $3-$5 if you already have the basics, and I will share below some many options to personalize your hat and apron.

What you'll need:
2 fat quarters (your choice of fabric - it can be white or printed) (for beginners I recommend felt for the apron, as it is easier to hand sew, and less flimsy)
2-4 buttons
36" (or 1 yard) of grosgrain ribbon (satin is not recommended)
Basics: Pencil, paper, scissors, needle, thread, pins, sewing machine (helpful but is not necessary if you can and are willing to hand sew), and an iron.

What you'll do:

Step 1: Cut your chef hat band piece to 12.5" x 3". Fold it in half lengthwise, right sides together, and sew along the short raw edge, using a 1/4" seam allowance (green band). Open the band into a circle and press open the sewn seam (purple band). Fold the band in half so the right sides are facing outward and press (blue band).

Step 2: Press the band flat with the seam at one end (green band). Fold the band in half, and each half in half again (purple band). Press the whole band (blue band) to create crease marks for ease of use in later steps. Your band should look like the navy band above. Set the band aside.

Step 3: Cut out the chef hat top using any dinner plate that is approx 34" around. If you have a circle cutter or special ruler, maybe even a protractor - by all means use what you have that is easiest. I also recommend tracing on a piece of paper first to use as a template.

Step 4: Fold the top piece in half, and then each half in half again. Press all folds so you have crease marks to match up to the bands.

Note: These next steps (5-8) will be the most challenging as it requires a lot of pins. If you have wonder clips, those may work better for younger children, as will skipping steps 5-8 and start at 10.

Step 5: Open up the top circle piece and lay it right side up. Place the band in the center, with the raw edge up, and begin to line up the crease marks on the circle to the marks on the band. Begin with both sides, the top, and bottom.

Step 6: Pin the crease marks that are in between the sides, top and bottom that you just pinned. You should now have 8 pins (or clips).

Step 7: There are now 8 sections that are going to be divided once more. Pull each section to the sides to find the center and pin in place. Repeat this step to the other 7 sections.

Your chef hat should look like this, and have 16 sections.

Step 8: Option 1 - flatten and accordion each section in the center to create a box pleat.

Your chef hat would look like this.

Step 8: Option 2 - fold over each section to the right to create a knife pleat.

Your chef hat would look like this, and would have a sort of spiral effect.

Step 9: Once you have decided which way you want to finish your hat, place the hat around the arm of the machine and stitch the raw edges of the top and the band using a 1/4" seam allowance.

Step 10: If you do not want to pleat your hat at all, and would prefer to gather the edge for a completely different look, switch your machine to a larger stitch length. Leave a good 3" of thread on the beginning and stitch all the way around the top using a 1/8" seam allowance, and leave a 3" tail at the end too. Gently pull on one thread at time to find the piece that will cause it to gather. One will and one won't.

Step 11: Continue to gather the top piece from both ends of the thread, and space the gatherings evenly all the way around as best you can.

Step 12: Pin the band to the inside using the crease marks as your guide (same as steps 5, 6)

Step 13: Sew the raw edge all the way around using a 1/4" seam allowance, and remove the gathering stitch to finish.

Your chef hat will look like this and have a gathered fluffy look.

If you'd like to personalize the hat or apron you could add the following:
1. Name or initials
2. Pocket on the apron (2.5" x 3")
3. Applique shapes
4. Embroidery details
5. Fabric markers, paint or tie dye
6. Felt flower embellishments

Now that you have finished sewing your hats and aprons, it's time to get cooking in the kitchen. Some of our most favorite recipes are Cherry Salad (which is Gluten free!!! and has been pinned like crazy on pinterest), Wonton Soup, and my childhood memory Fluffernutter Balls!

There are so many ways to make this chef hat and apron set just the way you want it and yummy things to whip up. I would love to see your creations, and hope you'll share them with me. Please follow and tag me on Instagram and on Twitter @kidgiddy, or visit my Kid Giddy Facebook page to post a picture of your doll's new chef attire and be sure to use the #kidgiddydolldiaries hashtag. I can't wait to hear what's cooking in your kitchen. As for ours, it's smoothies galore these days, and a few bunny grahams. Be sure to check out the other Camp Doll Diaries events to see what other fun things there are to do this summer, for all your doll fans.

Thanks so much for visiting and sewing with me. If you are new to my blog, please be sure to click the follow button on the right, sign up for my emails (clicking the link below), and all that good stuff. Happy sewing!

Busy Monday: Bridal Shower Gift Pouches

 I love having a reason to make really cute stuff for my friends. I went to my friends Bridal shower in the beginning of August and whipped up these pretty little pouches and sachets for her honeymoon &  general travels, a couple of days before arriving at her house. I tried using her wedding colors - but found out (after she opened them) that she changed her colors ever so slightly! Sort of bummed - but they were still cute in my book and hopefully she's not holding it against me that I wasn't on the up and up with her new colors! As I made them, I took some photos to share these basic pouches with all of you (my readers)! You can make these too - the are so easy and great for beginners! So let's get started!


Here's what you'll need:
2 yards of fabric (1 yard per color) (Cinch Pouch = 9 x 9) (Fold Over Pouch =11 x 15) (If you like the fabric I used - you can buy some here too like I did!)
White or coordinating thread
Sewing Machine, Scissors & Pins
Ribbon or Decorative Rope for Cinch Pouch (about 30 inches per pouch)
1 Button per Fold Over Pouch
2 inches of Elastic per Fold Over Pouch
Embroidery Floss to attach buttons

Here's what you do to make the Cinch Pouch after cutting out your squares:

Lay squares right sides together, sew 2 inches of one side and then all the way around leaving only 3-4 inches open.  

Turn right side out, press if necessary and top stitch all the way around the edge.

Fold up your corner using your angle marks on your cutting board as shown above (corner to corner on a 3 inch square).

Repeat to all the other corners and pin in place. (Whatever pattern you want showing once cinched, make sure that is the fabric you see on your corners. (I made 2 opposites - so my photos show that I got distracted and took half of the photos one way - and half of the photos the other way).

Use a decorative stitch (I just did a double line since I don't have fun stitches) to tack the corner down about 1/2" - 3/4" away from the fold.

After you stitch your corners down, thread your ribbon or rope through the holes. Use a turning tube to make it easier.

Flip this over (shown not flipped) and pull the ribbon/rope to cinch your pouch, push the center down as you go.

Tie it into a bow. I did this rope first (hence the photos)...but for the size of this pouch, I liked the look and ease of the ribbon better! It also made the hole much smaller in the center. For a much larger pouch, I think the decorative rope would be perfect.

Here it is with a ribbon instead of the rope.

Here's what you do to make the Fold Over Pouch after cutting out 2 rectangles of each fabric selection:

Place your fabric right sides together. (Polka Dot to Polka Dot and separately Snowflake to Snowflake). Working only the Polka Dot fabric for now, stitch the top 1 - 1/2 inch on both corners of your long sides. Then do the same with the Snowflake fabric. 

 

Now put both pairs on top of each other and mark 1 inch with a pin. 

 

DO NOT sew this one inch, but sewing the entire length of the pouch across the bottom and up the other side (again not sewing the remaining 1 inch!). 

Decide which fabric you want out and then turn your pouch right side out. The top side seams won't be connected, but the length and bottom of your pouch will be.

Fold the top edge down to the inside 1/2 inch starting at the seam, and then fold the lining down to the inside as well. 

 

Line up the seams and pin in place. Do this on the other side seam, and then in each center point and then all the way around the top of your pouch.

Once you have pinned all the way around, mark your center point on one side of the top of the pouch. This is where you'll place the elastic. Pin that in place and then top stitch all the way around your top edge. Be sure to double over the elastic for added strength and security.

 

Finally, place your button in your desired position on the front of the pouch (with the elastic on the back top edge) and thread your embroidery floss carefully through the top layer of the fabric and the button. Tie a knot on the top of the button and then loop the elastic over the button.

 

No one wants to have all of their bras and undergarments falling out all over the airport, and everyone loves to have some cute pouches to put their precious belongings in...so make one today...or two! Go nuts! Thanks for stopping by and thanks for sharing my blog! I hope you enjoyed these tutorials. If you did and you'd like to see more like this - please leave me a comment and let me know! Please do not copy my tutorials, but feel free to post a link to share with your friends and family! Have a great day!

 

My First COVER! WOW!!!

OK - It's official! I'm not dreaming - My owl made it on the Front Cover of the newest issue of Crafts 'n Things Magazine. Isn't he so dreamy?

Joe Kay (the photographer) did such an amazing job with this little critter and I can't wait to see the inside of this magazine! Thanks Joe!! Be sure to get your copies and SUBSCRIPTION while you can before it flies off the shelves!

I'll be posting some step by step photos to assist you in making your owls in cooperation with Crafts 'n Things magazine online.

Thanks again to my friend Sharlene for asking me to make her an owl ornament last year, Phoebe for telling me about Abby at Crafts 'n Things, (Heidi Boyd for telling Phoebe about Crafts 'n Things), to Joe taking awesome pictures and to Abby for breaking the great news in the weeee hours of yesterday evening! (just the time little owls like myself like to come alive!)....

Have an awesome day!!!

Giddy Up Friday: Sewing for Beginners

OK - So I won't tell you where I was - and who I was talking to...but someone I know has an older child that wants to learn to sew. Since my younger girls are already into this (and sitting on my lap with me to sew)...I thought I would share how I got them started.

Granted many stores now offer mini sewing machines for children 8 and up. But they are not worth it in my opinion. The options and capabilties are few and far between. It also does nothing to "teach" them the art of sewing...which must start by hand! This is also happening with knitting machines and such. If a child is given a blanket they will stay warm for a day, but if you teach a child to sew a blanket, they will stay warm for a lifetime!

We are not going to make a blanket, but will start small instead. Once you have all the materials, this would make a great kit for birthday party favors or gifts for birthday or holidays. There is prep work and you will need a few supplies as follows:

• 1 Eyelet Plier Kit (not a Grommet Punch)
• Pieces of Felt (you can buy by the yard or buy many colors in the 81/2" x 11" size)
• Yarn
• Plastic Needle
• Poly-Fil stuffing (it's not all created equal - mid price range is sufficient) (low is ok for this - but know that it will bunch - even if it says it won't! and it's not so soft!) you can also use Bamboo or other fillers
• Good Scissors too. 

All of these items can be purchased from any craft store (AC Moore, Joann Fabrics, Michaels, Hancocks and even some in the big W store - the one I don't love to promote). If you go to any of the craft stores I have listed, be sure to sign up in advance on their websites for coupons via email. You can save 40, 50 or even 60% off on a single item! Crazy worth it!!!

OK - So here we go.

Step 1: Place 2 of your felt peices together and cut out your desired shape (circle, heart, square - anything simple). You can also cut out block letters and make the whole alphabet - one a day - it would take less than a month!

Step 2: Once you have your shape cut out, grab your eyelet pliers and all along the edge, punch holes approximately 1/4" apart from each other. If they are too close, the felt will tear easily. If it is too far apart, the stuffing can come out. Continue to punch holes until you've gone around the whole shape.

Step 3: Cut one long strand of yarn (from your childs finger tips to the middle of their neck). Thread your needle. Do not place a knot in the needle but rather - let the thread go half way down the longest length.

Step 4: Decide which stitch pattern you think your child can do. Often times, children want to loop around front to back which is called a "Whip Stitch". Another easy stitch is the "Straight Stitch". For an older child ready to learn a new stitch, try the "Blanket Stitch".

To watch video's of how these stitches are done or to learn others - a simple google or you tube search will bring up plenty to watch. (please be cautious when viewing unknown videos on these sites with children present - as some may be mislabeled and inappropriate). Annie's Attic is also a great resource for various Stitch, Crochet, Knitting and Quilting lessons.

Step 5: When you start the stitching, don't put a knot in the end of the thread and leave a good 2-3 inches for tying the knot later. Continue the desired stitch around the shape and leave a 11/2" opening for the stuffing.

Step 6: Stuff the shape to be as fluffy as you'd like. Be careful not to over stuff with love, or it will rip the felt.

Step 7: When you are done stuffing, finish stitching the rest of the way. Tie a good knot with the ends, trim the yarn to about 2" and hide the threads down in with the stuffing. You can do this by poking the needle all the way though to the other side, pulling the left over thread into the center of the stuffie.

Repeat Steps 1 - 7 as many times as you'd like. When you child has mastered that or if your child is older, you can try felt shapes without punching the holes, and using a large doll needle that is rather dull (with adult supervision) and embroidery floss. After that, they can hand sew a small doll blanket using pieces of fabric with a much smaller needle and regular all purpose thread, and then someday will be able to sew on their own buttons, patches and make their own costumes!

My 5 year old daughter made the red heart you see in the top picture! (Thanks little elephant!) Have a great day everyone. If you enjoyed this post, please do leave a comment and let me know. kg