Poolside Shorty Shorts

I LOVE these shorts! My daughter has been begging for a new pair, so I thought that I would share with everyone! The pattern can be found HERE. Please note that in the European tradition, there are NO SEAM ALLOWANCES on the pattern. Simply add the seam allowance that you would like to the pattern piece. This pattern fits kids sizes 2T-12.

Materials:
Beach Towel
1" Elastic (to fit waist measurement)
Matching Thread

Directions:
1) First print out the pattern and cut the size that you need.
2) Add seam allowance. (If serging, add 1/4") You will only add this to the sides of the pattern, not the waist or hem.
3) Once you have your pattern pieces ready, you will place them on the towel. You can either cut as is, or deduct 1" from the hemline and use the binding on the towel at the hem.. (easy! No finishing needed!). Pin and cut out the pattern.
4) Stitch both sides at inner leg right sides together
5) Place right sides together and stitch at crotch
6) Finish top edge of waistband by serging, zigzaging, adding FOE, or bias tape. This will avoid the bulk of turning under.
7) Fold waistband over 1.5", pin and stitch, leaving a small section open at the back seam to insert elastic.
8) Measure waist, cut elastic at the same measurement -.5", insert elastic in casing using a safety pin. When you get it in, make sure that it is not turned and stitch ends together using a zigzag stitch. Go over this a few times. Pin the opening in the casing and stitch.
9) If you need to hem, you can do so now. Either serge the edge, or fold under. Then turn the hem up 1", pin, and stitch. I typically use two rows of stitching or a double needle stitch when hemming these, but that is not necessary.
10) OPTIONAL: You can add a shash bow to the front by cutting a piece of fabric 3"x32". Cutting this on the bias will help with excess fraying. Other options to finish sash are narrow hem, rolled hem, serged edge, three step zig-zap, or standard zig-zag. I like it best with a little fray on the edge! Find the mid-point of your sash, gather down the center and stitch to the center front seam of the waistband.

10) Hit the pool!

Tea Cozy Tutorial

I really love this tea cozy! I was recently asked to host a table for a women's tea and decorating was the best part. I am a bit obsessive with things and want everything to be just right. So of course my teapot needed new duds!

So here goes the tutorial! She is very easy to put together, just follow the pics if you need some guidance. Please note that the pattern is for a standard round teapot. If your teapot is shaped different, I would first adjust the pattern pieces to fit your hot lady! You can legnthen, widen, and adjust the openings easily.


Materials: 1 fat quarter or (1/4 yd) fabric, 1/4 yd thin insulated batting (cotton batting will work too), 1 1/2 yd piping, 2 yds bias tape (handmade or store purchased), one large button, 1/4" elastic, and thread to match.
1) Start by printing out the tea cozy pattern. DOWNLOAD ME!
2) Once you have printed it out, cut out the pattern pieces and tape to one side of your teapot. This is the time to make any adjustments. Remember that there are 1/2" seam allowances, so you don't want it skin tight! If you need to add, just tape a piece of fabric to the back and add where needed until it fits. If it is too big, just take it in a little bit.
3) Once you have a working pattern, cut out all of your pieces. You should have two of each pattern piece for fabric, batting, lining *(optional) Transfer markings.
4) Start by sandwiching your fabric together. Fabric, batting, lining (do this for each piece. If you would like, you can baste them together around the edges.
5) Stitch front to front at bottom and back to back at the bottom.
6) Attach bias trim to rounded inner edges. On the front piece, continue up to the top edge. 7) Attach elastic from mark to mark on both front and back. Pull the elastic a bit as you are attaching. Use zigzag stitch to attach. The elastic won't be visible from the front.
8) Attach the front to back at the side seams. If you like, you can sandwich piping in the seams!
9) Stitch together back pieces at top edge. You will now have a completed handle opening.
10) Attach piping around entire top edge. You may need to trim down your seam allowances prior to doing this to avoid bulk. When you get to the end, open up the piping, pull the fabric back and trim the cord so that it is flush with the edge. Then fold the back into itself . Top stitch top edge.

11) Attach bias trim to bottom edge. Stitch elastic to inside just as before, using a zigzag stitch.

12) Put your cozy on your teapot. Fold one front piece over the other until it has a nice fit. Pin and mark where your button will go. On one side create a button hole to fit your button and on the other side attach the button.

13) Put her on your hot lady and you are ready for one heck of a tea party!!

Because you asked so nicely!

I have had several requests for this pattern, so here it is! This pattern is the property of RoseToes Designs (me). This is for personal use only. Feel free to add a link from your page. I will be posting free patterns occasionally so check back!

The felted slippers were my holiday project this year. I pumped out countless pairs for all of my family members! I use two methods. The adult slippers had heal turns and gussetting, but these are beginner friendly. The slippers in the picture are my daughters (they are only ones that I still have in my possession!). They are easy as pie and quick! These are the style I made for all of the kids, but it can be adjusted to make adult slippers.

Asian Inpired Felted Slippers

pattern is for a child's size 1-2

*NOTE These can easily be adjusted for width by adding to CO, but be careful not to add too much! I did make a pair for my husband at 36 CO and he wears a size 14-15 shoe . If you do adjust the cast on, remember to adjust the band too

mc: (held single throughout)

Lambs Pride Bulky

Black onyx85%wool / 15%mohair

cc: (held two strands throughout)

Patons Classic Merino Wool

Leaf Green

100% wool

CO 30Rows 1: k to end

Row 2: p to end

Row 3: ssk, ss to last 2, k2tog

Row 4: p to endRows

5 & 6: rep

3&4Rows 7-16:

k to end

Row 17 & 19: m1, k to last st, m1, k1

Row 18 & 20: p to end

Continue in SS until the piece measures 2 in longer that the foot measurement then begin decrease rows

Decrease:Row 1: {k2, k2tog} to end

Row 2 & 4: p to end

Row 3: {k1, k2tog} to end

Row 5: k2tog to end

pull yarn through stitches and secure.I put a few stitches in the end to make sure that the hole is closed completly and then weave in my tail. Since these are felted, the stitches won't show and it makes a nice smooth rounded end.I then do a partial construction before I add the band.

Stitch up the back. Stitch up the top of the foot until you have an opening that is 1/2 the legnth - 1/2 in.

Band- using 4 dpns, pick up 30 stitches along top edge starting at the toe seam. m2 (basically, you are adding two extra stitches at the center of the seam)

rows 1&2: k

row 3: k 31, k2tog

k until band measures 1 1/4"- 1 1/2"bind off.

Seam beginning at toe side of the band until there is a 5" opening

Felt until "the slipper fits." Stuff with plastic grocery bags to get the desired shape and allow to dry completely (2-3 days).

Add needle felted accents with roving.

If you need felting instructions, let me know.

Have fun!

Wishing you warm tootsies,

Shelly