Tuesday, June 19, 2012
We are moving! www.MakeitMiaLa.Wordpress.com ....
I will be slowly moving all of my data and re-scanning patterns to add to my new blog.
www.MakeitMiaLa.Wordpress.com
Too many of my links were outdated or lost with Geocities, so have decided to start again. Plus I have so many new ideas and patterns that a little reorganizing is needed.
I am going to leave this blog open so links will not be broken, but please, in the next few weeks, if you have linked to anything here, jump over to MakeitMiaLa and update it.
Thanks so much, hope to be seeing you all at the new home soon :)
Tonya
Monday, June 18, 2012
Gratitude
I had no idea that thousands of folks were coming to this blog! Wow. I never even knew I could look at the stats! I should give it a little love. I am still loving life and making things, so will try to upload some of my new patterns and ideas soon. My idea had always been to provide most of my patterns free of charge and help folks learn how to make things themselves. Please feel free to comment or email me if a pattern is not working and THANKS so much for visiting and sharing. Enjoy !
Friday, February 11, 2011
Love List #80 ...yes, been busy!
Time has slipped by, but two of my newer loves deserve their post. I try not to make all these love list posts about my family...but here is to the BLN and the big C.L., the new family additions.
Love List #79 Star Catching
Inspired by the amazing photos by Jan von Holleben, Mia and I took some great pictures which were taken in the afternoon and are natural light!
Saturday, August 7, 2010
One size diaper cover pattern
I have to clean this up a bit, but here is the pattern for my one size diaper cover. It can be used as a turned and topstitched cover with optional third patterned outer layer, or adding the inner slit opening to make it a pocket stuffable cover. Make sure it prints with the one inch square box true to size or adjust your size on the pdf or printer.
FRONT
BACK
Print both pages and line up front to back at markings and center fold line. This will print as HALF a pattern, cut it out and trace it onto another piece of bigger paper if you want the full pattern.
The picture tutorial is found HERE
Diaper Cover Tutorial - Turn n Topstitch
This will be my basic tutorial, which can be used for making waterproof diaper covers as well as pocket diaper covers! The photos and main directions are for a one size pocket diaper with a cute printed outer. I am making a snap up one size diaper, but as my 5 month old is already on the largest size, I believe the snaps could be left off for a good fitting 20+ pound cover if you do not have access to a professional snap press.
Pattern found HERE.
SEWING LEVEL: Medium, curve and stretch and sew capabilities needed
MATERIALS:
Pattern - THIS one is my favorite one sized pattern
1/4" braided polyester elastic - 18" per diaper
Guuterman 100% polyester thread (no cotton in your thread)
Loop velcro for the front - 10" if making my one size pattern ( I prefer 1.5" wide)
Hook velcro for the wing tabs - 4" - ( I prefer 1.5" wide)
Fabric:
You will need at least 2 layers to use this method called turn and topstitch. For a cover, at least one of them needs to be waterproof, so this can be 2 layers of THIN 100% soft wool ( I prefer cashmere or merino), or it can be one layer of PUL (polyeruethane laminate)and one layer of a soft polyester liner like thin microfleece or suedecloth. I prefer to buy my PUL in white and add an extra thin layer on the outside of a cute polyester print, making it 3 layers. You can get maybe 4 diapers out of a yard of materials depending on your pattern and placement. For a pocket diaper, the inner HAS to be a wicking material (suedecloth prefered)
Optional: Snap press and resin snaps ( I recommend KAM brand, not handheld pliers)
DIRECTIONS:
Pre-wash all materials before cutting. Use Ecover liquid, All small and mighty free and clear, Mountain Green , Charlie's soap, Publix free and clear, Country Save (wal mart) or a detergenet WITHOUT brighteners which can break down cover laminates, and scents which can irritate baby. Wool needs to be washed on HOT and "felted" well in the dryer to close up the knit holes.
Print your pattern, making sure the inch box is true to size, or resize to fit.
Trace pattern onto pieces marking elastic notches and snap placements (if using).
For cover or pocket cover plain, cut one liner and one PUL
For cover or pocket as in this tutorial, cut one liner, one PUL, and one poly outer
For wool, cut 2 wool
You also need to cut a piece of backing PUL or suedecloth to reinforce behind the snaps and velcro at the front. Just trace the pattern at the front down to below the snap/velcro line. Wool is so strechy that if you are using it, you need to leave off the snaps, or reinforce with a non-stretch material to keep the snaps from popping out.
Line up reinforcement layer with OUTER layer on the wrong side of outer and pin in place. This will be your PUL, Outer Wool, or third decorative poly layer.
Sew Loop (soft) velcro through both layers centered and right above top snap marks onto the right side of the outer layer.
Set snaps: top row studs and bottom two rows sockets ( I believe) :) through both layers
On LINER layer, cut a slit 5 inches long in the middle near the elastic notches on the BACK of the diaper. I fold in half, measure 2.5 inches and cut V notches at the ends.
Turn under edges of your slit and topstitch around, this will be your stuffing slit!
Line up layers: right side of outer to right side of liner and if using a third layer it will be the hidden PUL and that can go on either side sticky side hidden. More waterproof if against suedecloth liner, but see note below.
Sew through all layers with 3/8" seam allowance. If your suedecloth or liner is hidden by the PUL layer, you must leave a little hole for turning at the belly side front, if not, sew all the way around!
Trim corners and curves close to seam
Sew leg elastics with 5" or 6" of elastic (bigger for chubbier babies) Start at one notch and stretch to full stretch while you sew with a zigzag stitch to the other notch. Repeat at each leg and at back. I use 5" at the legs and 6" at the back.
Be sure to BACKTACK the ends of your elastics well!
Turn diaper through slit in liner or at the hole at top front. If you turned through the hole, topstitch it closed.
Topstitch at back BELOW the elastic, stretching it while sewing.
OPTIONAL (not shown) Topstitch all around the whole diaper going AROUND the elastic at the legs instead of through it, stretching while sewing.
Cut 2 pieces of hook (scratchy) velcro about 2 inches long each. Sew them onto the liner side of the wings, backtacking and making sure it is on there well! I sew 1/2 on the wing and 1/2 off, but if you have a skinny babe, it can be sewn all the way on the tab.
DONE!!!!
Pattern found HERE.
SEWING LEVEL: Medium, curve and stretch and sew capabilities needed
MATERIALS:
Pattern - THIS one is my favorite one sized pattern
1/4" braided polyester elastic - 18" per diaper
Guuterman 100% polyester thread (no cotton in your thread)
Loop velcro for the front - 10" if making my one size pattern ( I prefer 1.5" wide)
Hook velcro for the wing tabs - 4" - ( I prefer 1.5" wide)
Fabric:
You will need at least 2 layers to use this method called turn and topstitch. For a cover, at least one of them needs to be waterproof, so this can be 2 layers of THIN 100% soft wool ( I prefer cashmere or merino), or it can be one layer of PUL (polyeruethane laminate)and one layer of a soft polyester liner like thin microfleece or suedecloth. I prefer to buy my PUL in white and add an extra thin layer on the outside of a cute polyester print, making it 3 layers. You can get maybe 4 diapers out of a yard of materials depending on your pattern and placement. For a pocket diaper, the inner HAS to be a wicking material (suedecloth prefered)
Optional: Snap press and resin snaps ( I recommend KAM brand, not handheld pliers)
DIRECTIONS:
Pre-wash all materials before cutting. Use Ecover liquid, All small and mighty free and clear, Mountain Green , Charlie's soap, Publix free and clear, Country Save (wal mart) or a detergenet WITHOUT brighteners which can break down cover laminates, and scents which can irritate baby. Wool needs to be washed on HOT and "felted" well in the dryer to close up the knit holes.
Print your pattern, making sure the inch box is true to size, or resize to fit.
Trace pattern onto pieces marking elastic notches and snap placements (if using).
For cover or pocket cover plain, cut one liner and one PUL
For cover or pocket as in this tutorial, cut one liner, one PUL, and one poly outer
For wool, cut 2 wool
You also need to cut a piece of backing PUL or suedecloth to reinforce behind the snaps and velcro at the front. Just trace the pattern at the front down to below the snap/velcro line. Wool is so strechy that if you are using it, you need to leave off the snaps, or reinforce with a non-stretch material to keep the snaps from popping out.
Line up reinforcement layer with OUTER layer on the wrong side of outer and pin in place. This will be your PUL, Outer Wool, or third decorative poly layer.
Sew Loop (soft) velcro through both layers centered and right above top snap marks onto the right side of the outer layer.
Set snaps: top row studs and bottom two rows sockets ( I believe) :) through both layers
On LINER layer, cut a slit 5 inches long in the middle near the elastic notches on the BACK of the diaper. I fold in half, measure 2.5 inches and cut V notches at the ends.
Turn under edges of your slit and topstitch around, this will be your stuffing slit!
Line up layers: right side of outer to right side of liner and if using a third layer it will be the hidden PUL and that can go on either side sticky side hidden. More waterproof if against suedecloth liner, but see note below.
Sew through all layers with 3/8" seam allowance. If your suedecloth or liner is hidden by the PUL layer, you must leave a little hole for turning at the belly side front, if not, sew all the way around!
Trim corners and curves close to seam
Sew leg elastics with 5" or 6" of elastic (bigger for chubbier babies) Start at one notch and stretch to full stretch while you sew with a zigzag stitch to the other notch. Repeat at each leg and at back. I use 5" at the legs and 6" at the back.
Be sure to BACKTACK the ends of your elastics well!
Turn diaper through slit in liner or at the hole at top front. If you turned through the hole, topstitch it closed.
Topstitch at back BELOW the elastic, stretching it while sewing.
OPTIONAL (not shown) Topstitch all around the whole diaper going AROUND the elastic at the legs instead of through it, stretching while sewing.
Cut 2 pieces of hook (scratchy) velcro about 2 inches long each. Sew them onto the liner side of the wings, backtacking and making sure it is on there well! I sew 1/2 on the wing and 1/2 off, but if you have a skinny babe, it can be sewn all the way on the tab.
DONE!!!!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Updating my patterns and links
I realized that lots of my patterns and links were not here anymore thanks to Yahoo closing down Geocities...so I will be updating them as well as uploading my newest ones in the next week or so! Sorry to all those who have come and missed out.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
MiaLa Medium Tab front - Free Printable
Old version of the MiaLa free downloadable printable cloth diaper pattern
Well, this pattern with the tab front has disappeared since losing geocities, so here is the one it was based on. I originally made it to fit my chunky thighed daughter because I hated how others folded over or cut into her. Make sure the inch is correct when you print it and use a 1/4" seam allowance. It is turn and topstitch method and HERE is my favorite T & T tutorial. She is making it a fitted, but it is the same idea:
Sew the bodies right sides together leaving an opening, Flip and topstitch. To change it into a tab front, I just chopped the pattern at the back leg elastic markings and squared off the tabs. For more detailed instructions, I will be adding my detailed ones soon.
PATTERN PAGE 1 HERE
PATTERN PAGE 2 HERE
Monday, June 7, 2010
Dinner on a stick
Skewered dinner, picky kid friendly.
On the menu:
pepperoni
cheese squares
tofu squares
red pepper chunks
cucumber slices
cherry tomatoes
desert:
watermelon chunks
marshmallows
On the menu:
pepperoni
cheese squares
tofu squares
red pepper chunks
cucumber slices
cherry tomatoes
desert:
watermelon chunks
marshmallows
Homemade bug repellent
We just mixed up a batch of oils that seem to be doing a good job against the TONS of mosquitoes around here.
We mixed:
2 TBS olive oil
6 drops eucalyptus essential oil
6 drops citronella essential oil
6 drops tea tree oil
I was nervous about putting this mixture directly on the kids skin, so we cut cotton knit strips and soaked them in the mixture, let them dry out a bit and tied them on wrists and ankles. Ended up being a fun project for Mia!
We mixed:
2 TBS olive oil
6 drops eucalyptus essential oil
6 drops citronella essential oil
6 drops tea tree oil
I was nervous about putting this mixture directly on the kids skin, so we cut cotton knit strips and soaked them in the mixture, let them dry out a bit and tied them on wrists and ankles. Ended up being a fun project for Mia!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Love List # 78
Watson's Mill. I used to go camping here when I was in high school. Complete with an old covered bridge you have to drive through, walking and sliding down the slippery rocks, and a little waterfall. Fun.
Home Made Tee Pee
This was such a fun project, and Mia got to help with almost all of it!
Ages 2 and up with adult help.
Materials:
Bamboo or dowels (6)
Fabric for panels: we used felt scraps for more structure. Felt, canvas, or any thicker fabric will hold up best.
sewing machine and thread
Ribbons and decorative accents (we used pipe cleaners, and sparkle tulle and lace)
Step one: We cut down Bamboo and trimmed it and cleaned it ourselves, but it would be alot easier to buy dowels! We cut them about 6 feet tall and cut 6 of them. If you use bamboo, be sure to cut the branches close to the stalk or sand them down so they are not pokey.
Step two: Gather the rods at the top, about 4 or 5 inches down and tie with twine or rubber bands.
Step three: Stand the structure up and spread them out evenly to your desired width to get your basis for your fabric panels. Easy to do this on a rug so the ends dont slip. Measure the distance between the bottoms of the rods. Ours averaged out to about 20 inches. Then measure up from the base of one rod, to the place where the ties/rubber bands are. This will be the measurements for your panels (plus seam allowances). We added a half inch on each side for seam allowances.
Step four: Cut six triangle panels. We alternated colors for a circus look. Then cut panel number 6 for the back in HALF longways for closing up.
Step Five: Fun part! Pick lots of ribbons, fringe, etc., and sew onto the individual panels how you choose. We just made a huge pile and Mia picked a few of her favorites. I sewed them in horizontal stripes
Step Six: Sew all of your panels together at the side seams, right sides together leaving the whole thing open at the back where the two half panels will meet, you will sew this closed at the end. I did not do it like this in my picture, but it will make it easier for you!
Step Seven:Sew channels over each seam on the inside except for the back closing seam which is still open to make this easier. I used ribbons and scrap pieces of fabric about 2 inches wide to allow for passing the bamboo through. Leave the top and bottoms open. You can finish the ends by folding under.
Step Eight:Sew the back seam together, right sides together.
Step Nine:Untie your rods and thread them through the channels. Stand the whole thing up again and spread it out, aligning the rods and evening it out. Then retie it at the top where the ends of the rods stick out. Be sure to catch them individually as well as in groups. If you just wrap the whole thing, it will not spread out easily and the middle ones will slip. IF you are using dowels, rubber bands will hold it better. Also be sure the fabric is all the way down to the floor on each one before tying.
Step ten:. Cut the front panel about halfway up on both sides INSIDE of the channels you have sewn for the door. IF you are using a nonfray material, this will be fine, but if not, you might want to finish the edges before assembling, after sewing the channels. We tacked some ribbons at the top edge of the cuts to hold it up when it is rolled up!
Step Eleven:Extra decorating. We made stars out of silver pipe cleaners and hung them on the inside, and Mia picked a purple sparkly tulle for an outer addition. We use it on a plush rug so there is a nice seating pad :)
I have not yet taken a picture of the actual completed project, but will add it soon!
Have fun and feel free to send me pictures of your own to add!
Ages 2 and up with adult help.
Materials:
Bamboo or dowels (6)
Fabric for panels: we used felt scraps for more structure. Felt, canvas, or any thicker fabric will hold up best.
sewing machine and thread
Ribbons and decorative accents (we used pipe cleaners, and sparkle tulle and lace)
Step one: We cut down Bamboo and trimmed it and cleaned it ourselves, but it would be alot easier to buy dowels! We cut them about 6 feet tall and cut 6 of them. If you use bamboo, be sure to cut the branches close to the stalk or sand them down so they are not pokey.
Step two: Gather the rods at the top, about 4 or 5 inches down and tie with twine or rubber bands.
Step three: Stand the structure up and spread them out evenly to your desired width to get your basis for your fabric panels. Easy to do this on a rug so the ends dont slip. Measure the distance between the bottoms of the rods. Ours averaged out to about 20 inches. Then measure up from the base of one rod, to the place where the ties/rubber bands are. This will be the measurements for your panels (plus seam allowances). We added a half inch on each side for seam allowances.
Step four: Cut six triangle panels. We alternated colors for a circus look. Then cut panel number 6 for the back in HALF longways for closing up.
Step Five: Fun part! Pick lots of ribbons, fringe, etc., and sew onto the individual panels how you choose. We just made a huge pile and Mia picked a few of her favorites. I sewed them in horizontal stripes
Step Six: Sew all of your panels together at the side seams, right sides together leaving the whole thing open at the back where the two half panels will meet, you will sew this closed at the end. I did not do it like this in my picture, but it will make it easier for you!
Step Seven:Sew channels over each seam on the inside except for the back closing seam which is still open to make this easier. I used ribbons and scrap pieces of fabric about 2 inches wide to allow for passing the bamboo through. Leave the top and bottoms open. You can finish the ends by folding under.
Step Eight:Sew the back seam together, right sides together.
Step Nine:Untie your rods and thread them through the channels. Stand the whole thing up again and spread it out, aligning the rods and evening it out. Then retie it at the top where the ends of the rods stick out. Be sure to catch them individually as well as in groups. If you just wrap the whole thing, it will not spread out easily and the middle ones will slip. IF you are using dowels, rubber bands will hold it better. Also be sure the fabric is all the way down to the floor on each one before tying.
Step ten:. Cut the front panel about halfway up on both sides INSIDE of the channels you have sewn for the door. IF you are using a nonfray material, this will be fine, but if not, you might want to finish the edges before assembling, after sewing the channels. We tacked some ribbons at the top edge of the cuts to hold it up when it is rolled up!
Step Eleven:Extra decorating. We made stars out of silver pipe cleaners and hung them on the inside, and Mia picked a purple sparkly tulle for an outer addition. We use it on a plush rug so there is a nice seating pad :)
I have not yet taken a picture of the actual completed project, but will add it soon!
Have fun and feel free to send me pictures of your own to add!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Love List # 75
This new dress I made for Mia, and this picture in general. I hope to be uploading some simple dress patterns soon, as well! I have decided to use recycled materials only for my stuff in the future ... (or mostly).
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