As I was about to share with you what I've been working on, I decided that, although this project is super-easy, it'd be a good one for the first tutorial post.
First, a little background: as you may know, I have a 14 month old boy and am expecting the arrival of Baby Girl in early July. As we were thinking of what we need for Baby Girl, we decided that we could definitely use more washcloths for bathtime. I was severely disappointed, to say the least, in the selection of washcloths out there!! I thought to myself, I make bibs and burp cloths, would a washcloth be that different? Then, I was also reminded of my 14 month old. He's an eater; but I can't tell you how many paper towels we go through at the end of a meal trying to keep him presentable! And when we're on-the-go, sometimes he needs a little wipe off (but I feel he's a little beyond the burp cloth phase).
So...the other day I began making some "washies". That sounds so much cuter than "washcloths", doesn't it? The first batch I made has monkey fabric on one side because my son is loving monkeys (or "ah ah"s) lately. I'm also working on some that match our kitchen that I'll keep in there for after meals. If you can measure and if you can sew in a semi-straight line, this is the project for you!! These are REALLY basic directions. Make the washie to suit your own needs--make it bigger or smaller, leave the ribbon off, or loop the ribbon instead of having it go across a corner.
Materials:
In addition to your sewing machine, needle, and thread, you will need a 7x8" rectangle of cotton fabric and one of terrycloth (you could even cut up an old towel for this!) You will also need a 5" piece of coordinating ribbon. This makes one washie.
Hint: 1 fat quarter can make 4 washies! Directions:
1. First, I pin and tack down the ribbon across a corner of my fabric (you could do it on the terrycloth side if you prefer)--the ribbon is to hang the washie, if you want.
2. Next, I face the cotton and terrycloth right sides together and sew around the edge (using about a 1/4" seam allowance). Make sure to leave a couple inch opening to be able to turn it right-side out! (you could pin the edges before you sew, but it's small enough that it's easy to hold together as you go)
3. Clip the corners, making sure to not cut the seams.
4. Turn the washie right-side-out, making sure the ribbon is where it belongs, pushing out the corners. Press if desired.
5. Pin the opening closed (folding in the fabric to make the edge even).
6. Topstitch around the edge, making sure to close the opening.
7. Enjoy!!
I'd love to see your creations!! Post a picture on your blog and be sure to comment on this post and leave a link so we can see what you've made.
I don't plan on having these in-stock in the store right now. But, if you don't have the time, ability, or resources to make them yourself, email me and I will take some custom orders before Baby Girl arrives!! A set of 4 for $10 (shipping included). Email me at store@thirtyoneeighteen.com to place your order.
HAPPY SEWING!
