It’s the finals – eeek!! I just want to say I am SO EXCITED to be here – wow!  I had a tough time coming up with a final craft, especially with no theme to guide me.  I decided to go with a sewing project – it’s probably my favorite crafting medium and I have yet to use it in the competition.

Here’s to hoping I can get your vote for The SnowBall Skirt:

Now, I made this skirt for non-sewers – really!  This is A SEWING PROJECT FOR THE SELF-PROCLAIMED NON-SEWER. I want everyone to know that they can tackle simple sewing projects and have fun creating with a sewing machine.  The skirt is easy – just one rectangle and a little straight-line stitching.  It has a faux-waistband, so you don’t have to mess with figuring out how to make a real waistband or put in buttons or zippers – this skirt is just elastic.

I will show you how to measure for the skirt, give a tutorial on constructing it, and even give helpful hints on the best way to roll tulle rosettes (aka, snowballs – hence the “snowball skirt”).  I will also throw in a how-to on making a bib necklace with your scraps of fabric and tulle.

Sorry about the above pictures – by the time my Kindergartner got out of meeting with a reading club, it was near-dark so the pics are being lit by a street light.  Not to mention it was freezing – you can see that with the huddled-neck of my youngest daughter.  Here’s some details in normal light:

My guesstimate on cost for these skirts (including the coordinating bib necklace) are about $6 a skirt – what a deal, right?  Want to whip one up for that holiday work party??  Or make a coordinating set like me so you can WOW everyone when your family walks into church?? (and when they ask – did you make those?? – you can proudly say, YES I did!)   Vote, The Snowball Skirt

Before we get started piecing a PILE of knotted squares together, do you want the backstory on this little Anthro-inspired gem?

First, you should know that I’m a bedding junkie. I LOVE wandering through Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, Crate and Barrel, Anthropologie (at Park Meadows  in Denver, those stores are all conveniently located near each other as well) to see their bedroom displays. My ever-changing bedding crushes are a constant around here.

So a few years ago, I found this Thai Silk Bedding at Restoration Hardware and fell in love. I have a bad habit of loving expensive things, and this was no exception. We were still in the dual-income-no-kids category at that time and so Adam surprised me with the dream-bedding. *Note, I tried to find a picture for you, but turns out five year old bedding isn’t very popular in google images.

Fast forward to this fall when my oh-so-beautiful Thai Silk Bedding RIPPED. Yep, you read right… it was destroyed, not functional and, worse, not fixable! Since the era of able-to-splurge-on-bedding-we-love is long gone, just replacing the duvet cover is not exactly an option anymore.

But then, of course, I went and fell in love with the rosette bedding at Anthropologie. It shares all sorts of things with my Thai Silk Bedding… it’s beautiful, and lovely, and totally out of our price range. Isn’t that how things go?

When I saw the rosette bedding at Anthro, I had this idea in the back of my mind that perhaps I could try to make my own vision of knots and loveliness… but shelved it to pursue more immediately important matters (like tending to a new born baby, and creating things for sytyc, and getting ready for the parties I was throwing, and trying to stay somewhat on top of normal life). And then we made it to the Wild Card finale for So You Think You’re Crafty. What better chance to try out my crazy bedding-making idea?

And thus the Anthro-Inspired Knotted Bedding was born. Thank you, So You Think You’re Crafty, for giving me a chance to attempt something I might not have otherwise. My husband thanks you too. Because instead of spending $400+ on the quilt at Anthropologie (or, more likely, settling for something we didn’t love nearly as much), I made this little getup for around $30. Glory, sheer glory.

Ok, now onto the tutorial.

To put your ‘quilt’ together, you’ll need:
-56 knotted squares from part 1 (for a king sized quilt)
-a king sized duvet (I got the thinnest one I could find at Ikea… it was $29… fabulous!)
-sewing machine and supplies
-TONS of pins

1. Start by piecing one row of squares together at a time. Your finished product will have eight rows of seven squares. Here’s the thing- in order to achieve that wonderful, gathered look, you have to create the gathers as you go. I did this by pinning little pleats in place before sewing squares together. To be more specific, I pinned five pleats along the length of each square (one tip- if you pleat both squares and pin, this will go more quickly). So, pleat, pin (right sides together) and sew.

2. Repeat and repeat and repeat until you have eight rows of seven knotted squares.

3. Now, you’re going to sew the rows together to make a big square-ish mass of knotted squares. It was easiest for me to pin first where the edges between squares met up and then pin more pleats in place. Remember, every time you sew two squares together, you have to ‘create’ little gathers. As you’re sewing the rows together, this means that you have a lot of pinning to do before you sew. Also, be sure to pin the sides right sides together. When you’re finished you’ll have the top part of your ‘quilt.’

4. Lay out your duvet. Place your quilt with the right side (the side with all of the knots) facing down on top of the duvet. Be sure to match so that the longer side of the duvet is lined up with the row of eight squares and the shorter side of the duvet is lined up with seven squares.

Pin all the way around the edges, again, pinning pleats in place. Lucky for me, my duvet was divided into seven sections that matched up with my squares, so that was a good guideline on the short edge to make sure I was pinning evenly. On the long edges, I folded my duvet in half and marked where the middle would fall then folded it in half again and marked the quarters (on both long edges). This became my guide for even pinning on those edges.

Sew around the entire perimeter, leaving one square open. Pull the duvet through the one open square, turning the whole thing right side in. Sew your one square opening shut.

*Note- I can’t say this enough, go over the ENTIRE quilt and make sure you got all of your pins out. Once you sew this baby shut, you don’t want little pins pricking you. And they like to hide in the pleats, so check thoroughly!

5. Fluff your almost quilt. It almost looks right, doesn’t it? Almost done! Now you’re going to pin your rows in place and ‘stitch in the ditch’ (I followed this tutorial on youtube- haha!) so that your squares stay put and don’t shift all over the place. I sewed down every other row, but feel free to do as many as you please.

6. Can you believe it? You’re done! Put this vision of loveliness on your bed and admire!

I am working on shams… I’ll put a tutorial together when I get those done! Also, if you’re looking for part 1, it’s here.

Our quilt won the SYTYC finale! Wow! I kind of can’t believe it. Thank you for voting… And actually, thanks to Missy for hosting. I’ve been wanting to make this knotted quilt for awhile, but making it to the SYTYC finale was the motivation I’d needed to actually sit down and put it together.

Y’all have been too funny about this bedding- thanks for all of your emails and comments and kind words. Wow. It sounds like you’re all ready to make your own as well- want to get started on that?

I should issue a warning up front that this endeavor is definitely time consuming… not difficult, per se, but time consuming for sure. That being said, today’s tutorial is for the how to make the pile of knotted squares that will make up your ‘quilt.’

To make the squares for the knotted ‘quilt,’ you’ll need:
-18″x18″ squares of jersey (I used 56 of these for my king sized quilt)… I got the jersey from two flat king sized sheets and a pile of white t-shirts.
-a 6″ plate
-a fabric pen
-needle and embroidery thread that coordinates with your jerse

*A tip before you start. Make the knotted squares assembly line style. Do all of your cutting, then all of your tracing, then all of your gathering, etc. It’ll make this move a little more quickly.

1. Cut out your 18″x18″ jersey squares. I used two flat t-shirt sheets and a stack of white t-shirts for my jersey. I cut out a sample square, labeled it as such with my fabric pen and then used it as a template to cut around for all of my other squares. One note- with all of the gathering that comes later, the 18″x18″ can be approximate- don’t worry about making perfectly uniform squares.

2. Center your 6″ plate in the middle of your square. Trace with a fabric pen. Repeat (and repeat and repeat).

3. Using embroidery thread, stitch inside the perimeter of your traced circle. Use very long stitches.

4. Pull your thread taut, resulting in a little pooch of fabric. Don’t remove your needle or tie off your thread yet.

5. This next part is a bit tricky to explain, but I tried to get good pictures. You might even find a better way (if so, let me know!) to make the knots.

This is what I did- I pulled the pooch of fabric to a point, Then, I poked down through the top center until the point was back down through the pulled-taut circle of thread.

Then I twisted the whole poked-down mess until it looked knot-like.

Then I secured the fabric with a stitch through the poked down point.

I continued to run the needle back and forth through the ‘knot’ until it seemed secure (usually three or four stitches through the middle of the ‘knot’).

6. Repeat and repeat and repeat. Fifty six times if you’re making a king sized quilt like I was.

Stay tuned for part 2- assembling your ‘quilt.’

ps- I know that many of you out there are actual, legit quilters. I’m sorry if calling this bedding a ‘quilt’ is offensive to you. It’s rows of squares, and I used a bunch of quilting techniques when I was assembling it (which, since I’ve never made a quilt before, I found tutorials for online- haha!). But I am definitely not a quilter and am probably butchering both the vocab and the techniques. Go easy on me, ok?

*Project by Amy @ Positively Splendid for the Season 6 Finale*

Having just moved into a new home, I wanted my final project for the competition to be something fun that reflects my overall crafting personality, but also something practical for our new place. We recently purchased a bunk bed for my older kiddos’ shared room, so I opted to use this challenge as my impetus to get their bedding and decor squared away. I set to work creating coordinating pillow shams and duvet covers, as well as repurposing an old lamp to match and putting together personalized alphabet samplers to adorn the walls.

Shared boy/girl spaces can be a challenge. I wanted the bedding to coordinate, but I also wanted it to be as suitable for a boy as it was for a girl. Enter my little vinyl applique boy and girl symbols on the shams, which leave no question as to just who exactly occupies this space! I opted for turquoise and hot pink as the main colors for each of the bedding sets, tying it all together with a series of orange stripes.

The sweet little lamp on the nightstand is a perfect match.

I created a printable that made putting these alphabet sampler wall hangings together a breeze!

There is nothing more gratifying than seeing two giddy children squeal with delight when they first see their new room! I am as tickled with they are with how this space came together, but the thing that pleases me most is the price tag of this project. Because I used flat sheets instead of fabric by the yard, and because I repurposed items I had on hand and used supplies from my stash, the total cost for this room makeover was just over $50, a typical price for a single custom-made pillow sham!

It has been so much fun participating in this competition! Thanks so much to everyone who has voted for me along the way!

Craft #1 – Perfect Swimming Bag by Shannon

First off I would like to send a big thank you to those followers who voted me on to the finals! It means allot to me! And I also couldn’t be competing against a more creative gal!!! It’s been a fun, fast, and tough ten weeks!

For my final shebang I decided to create the perfect bag to take with your family swimming! Whether you head to the local pool or out to the beach, you will have enough room for everything! With summer in full swing around my parts of the country and with it around the corner for the rest I thought it would be perfect to pull out bright summer colors and prints.

So here you have the PERFECT SWIMMING and recreational bag!

The top of the bag has two separate sides. They both close and open with draw string tops.

One side is fully lined with waterproof material so once you are done swimming you can toss in your wet clothes, and the rest of your bag will stay nice and dry!

The other side is a dry side. It is filled with pockets that you can slide in your wallet, keys, makeup, or diapers! You name it! It’s perfect for your hair supplies and your dry change of clothes for after you swim!

Now onto the bottom. The entire bottom is waterproof, so you won’t need to worry where you set your bag! Two of the sides around the bottom have pockets to slide in water bottles! You can never have enough water at the pool! They are also perfect for slipping in sun screen or diving toys, or flip-flops!

On one of the other sides there are three pockets that have flaps on the top. They are perfect for goggles, sun glasses, or spray on tanner!

The final side around the bottom has a large flap that opens completely and closes with Velcro, making it easy for children to get in and out of.

When you open the flap you will find another waterproof compartment large enough to fit 6, yes 6, large beach towels, folded nice and neat!

So grab all your swim gear, change of clothes, and load up your bag. Throw it over your shoulder and head out for a fun filled day!

When your ready to go home, the top of your bag won’t be as filled because your change of clothes will be on, so simply push down the draw string compartments, throw your smaller bag over your shoulder, and head home!

This bag is also perfect for a small camping trip, or a couple of days in a row overnighter! Slide your sleeping blanket and pillow into the bottom and fill up the dry side with your clothes! Once you wear your clothes, simply put them in the waterproff side, to keep your dirty clothes seperated! All the pockets in the insides can be used for your bathroom supplies! So where ever you are headed this summer, grab the PERFECT BAG and GO!

Craft #2 – Handmade Minnie Party by Kalleen

We celebrated with Minnie, but all these ideas could easily be changed to fit any theme. I fell in love with the red polka dots and minnie ears and used them on everything.

We have ears, say cheers!

These party hats aren’t just fun to make, they’re also easy and inexpensive.

A birthday outfit is a small touch that can make anyone feel extra special. Kate cried when it was pried off to go in the wash.

Mouse hands were made for the kids to wear while hitting the pinata. Such Joy! Of course we needed goodie bags for all the loot. It was a great party, thanks for coming!

Craft #1 – Rollie Pollie – Dana @ MADE

Looking for hours of entertainment?
Meet, The Rollie Pollie:
It’s a chair, it’s a toy, it’s your favorite pillow.

Made of durable cotton twill or soft vinyl, each bag is actually a slip cover (with another Rollie Pollie inside) then filled with mounds and mounds of soft cluster stuffing. So if it gets dirty, just zip it off and throw it in the wash. And with a handle on top, it’s easy to toss around. Ready for a pillow fight? We’ll let dad referee.

Now, pick your favorite….
Drag it around,
Dive right in!
Or take a little nap.
Build a Rollie-Pollie-man:
kick off your shoes:
Or do what I love best….find a yummy treat,
and just relax, watching your favorite show.
Who said you were a couch potato? I prefer Rollie Pollie, thank you.

Craft #2 - Window Treatments – Ashley @ Lil Blue Boo

My husband has been bugging me since we moved in to add window treatments around the house….but they are always either too expensive or I haven’t found ones I like. I decided for my final SYTYC challenge entry I would make my own….and on a budget!

Starting with simple white $3.00 a yard muslin…..

….I measured, cut, designed, silk screened, sewed and drilled to create custom drapery panels.

I especially love how the morning sunlight comes through the sheer fabric.

I wanted drapes that were simple and elegant but also that fit our informal living style. I love how they “pool” on the floor…..adds a little drama to our everyday living space.

My little one is the most excited about them because she gained another hiding place.

A curtain rod for a 16 foot slider was almost impossible to find and not really in my budget so I modified a store-bought rod to fit across the 17 foot span.

With my leftover fabric I made some simple covers for our existing couch pillows to coordinate the room.

I made the small rectangular pillows from scratch with some inexpensive linen-like canvas.

This technique is so versatile that you could use it in any room of the house. How about printing a similar design onto a duvet and large square euro pillows for a master bedroom!? Or printing this design in pink or mint green for a child’s room! The tutorial for this project includes the download for the design I created, how to measure, sew and silkscreen the draperies, how to make the pillows, and how I assembled the extra long curtain rod (17 feet!).

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone who checked in every week on the contest. I’ve had so much fun and still can’t believe I made it to the finals. My competitor is an amazing talent and I’m just honored to be here competing with her! I especially want to thank Missy for putting this all together and challenging me to think outside my comfort zone every week!