Color Me Bow Holder Tutorial

Hi there!

I hope everyone had a great holiday season. Now that things are getting back to normal it's time to organize and sew! While organizing my daughter's closet I noticed the large number of bows she has, and as I was running out of bow holders, I decided to make my own using very little fabric. I used Color Me fabric by Hayley Crousse for Michael Miller Fabrics. Every time I use this fabric line I think of the unlimited possibilities, this project is no exception. I am sure that aside from decorating my daughter's room it would also make a great party activity and favor and it is so, so easy to make!

Here's what you will need:

Color Me fabric scraps
Ribbon (at least 18 inches, I used 1.5 inches wide because that's what I had on hand)
D Ring (I used a 1.25", pick one according to your choice of ribbon width)
Any buttons or embelishments of your choice.

Step 1:

Cut 1 piece of fabric 8" x 3.5
Cut 1 piece of fabric 12.5" x 3.5"
Cut 1 piece of ribbon on the desired length for your bow holder, plus about 3 inches.

Step 2:

Fold fabric in half, right sides together by the long sides. Press.

Step 3:

Sew along the long sides with a 1/4" seam allowance, leaving both short sides open for turning. You will have 2 tubes that resemble a strap.

Step 4:

Turn right sides out using the method of your choice (I used a  dritz turning tool). Press and topstitch. I used contrasting thread to match my ribbon.

Step 5:

Bring the short ends together and overlap at the middle. Pin or use a clip to secure and stitch down the middle. Don't worry that it doesn't look pretty and it's not serged/finished, that area will be covered with ribbon.  Repeat with other piece.

Step 6:

Place smaller piece on top of larger one, making sure they are centered and secure with a pin or clip and carefully sew down the middle.

Step 7:

On the wrong side of your bow  (the side that has the longest tube/strap) center the ribbon and place about 1/2" inch from the edge. Sew in Place.

Step 8:

Take your D-Ring and run it trough the ribbon, with the round side up. Bring ribbon up and around the center until it meets the back again. Secure with a pin and sew at the bottom only, with 1/4" seam allowance. Seal the bottom end of your ribbon with a lighter or fray-check to avoid fraying.

Step 9:

Add any embellishments or none. You are done!

Color Me Toddler Purse Tutorial

Hello There!
If you have a toddler that loves to carry purses or need a last minute present for a toddler, you'll love this tutorial. My fabric of choice was Hailey Crouse's Color Me for Michael Miller. It allows for the fabric to be colored, so if you include a set of markers in your little purse, you'll have the perfect gift!

You will need:

- 1/3 of a yard of Color Me fabric
- 1/3 of a yard of lining fabric
- 7/8" Wide Ribbon
- Rick Rack, Piping or any other trim of your choice
- 1 Button or Snap fastener
- Flap Pattern HERE

Step 1:

Cut your flap pieces, 1 main, 1 lining
Cut your main body pieces:   2   8"W x 6" L main fabric
                                               2   8"W x 6" L lining fabric

Cut 2 pieces of ribbon, Approximately 20" each (I always cut longer and trim as needed)
The Seam allowance will be 1/4" for the flap and 1/2" everywhere else. Once all your pieces are cut, you will have something like this on your table.

Step 2:

Add any embellishments or trims to the right side of your flap, or leave as is. I added rick rack and used wash away tape to keep in place.

Step 3:

With right sides together sew main fabric and  lining fabric, along the round side only, using 1/4" seam allowance. If you added a trim, it will be sandwiched between the two fabrics. You may use pinking shears to cut excess. Turn over, press and top stitch along the round edge, set aside.

Step 4:

With right sides together sew the main fabric body pieces, starting on one side and ending on the other, leaving the top part open. Repeat for lining. You will use a 1/2" Seam Allowance. Press the seams open.

Step 5:

Starting at the joint of the side and bottom seams, form a triangle. Press to secure and sew 1/2" from the tip of the triangle. cut excess. Repeat for other side and lining. Trim Excess.

Step 6:

Pin and Baste the flap to top back side of  the main body piece, right sides together and 1/2" away from each side seam. Pin and Baste the ribbon, right sides together to the sides, matching the side seams to the center of the ribbon.  Turn over.

Step 7:

Place the main fabric purse inside the lining, with right sides together. Pin and sew along the top, with a 1/2" seam allowance, leaving a 2" opening  for turning.

Step 8:

Pull main fabric through the 2" opening and press. Top Stitch along the top main body of the purse, catching the opening so it will now be closed. Make a buttonhole and stitch a button or use a snap to secure. Tie a bow at the desired length and your purse is ready! Add markers inside and it's ready for gift giving.

Step 9:

 Enjoy your creation!