Design Challenge for May: Beach Vacation!

Each month the EtsyKids Team challengs our members to create some fantastic new items within a chosen theme. The Nook won last month's challenge, so she got to pick the new theme for May: Beach Vacation! The entries are already starting to roll in, and what fun beachy stuff! EtsyKids members will have until May 20th to submit their entries, and voting will take place from Thursday, May 21st - Wednesday, May 27th. So be sure to come back to the EtsyKids blog for a new post on the 21st to see all of the entries and to vote! In the meantime, click here to get a sneak peek at some of the entries so far!

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Hello World Its Saturday!

If your anything like me - Saturday is a welcome sight! It's the day I get to sleep late and then get up and play in my studio all day - uninterrupted! I've been sewing since I was a little girl and doing it professionally for the last 16 years. The longer I sew the more I learn about fabrics and techniques and I always love to share with others. I have really fallen in love with shirring these days and some people may assume that its a complicated process but its really very easy. It is time consuming but VERY easy. So - if you've got an hour or so and a cutie that would love a shirred dress or top then read on and take some notes and your on your way.

1. Hold down the person your sewing for and grab these measurements : Chest measurement and the measurement from chest to where you want the garment to end.

2. Take the chest measurement and double that - this will be how wide your fabric needs to be. Then cut the length of the fabric to match your second measurement. Finish the top and bottom edges of your piece with the serger or by hemming - you can also leave the edges raw if you like that look.

3. Pick up a spool of elastic thread from your local fabric store - they are never more than $1.50. HAND WIND the elastic thread onto the bobbin being careful not to stretch it as you go. Put the bobbin in the machine and set your stitch length to the longest stitch. And that's it - your ready to shirr.

4. Your fabric should be face up on the sewing machine - so that the elastic is on the wrong/in side of the fabric. Then, using your presser foot as a guide - stitch your first row 1/4" from the top edge. After you've done this row you will see that it has gathered slightly. Continue stitching 1/4" rows. You should at least do five to achieve the proper gathering but you can do however many you want. In the pictured example - Ive made 15 rows, but sometimes I do even more than that.

5. Once you've shirred as much as you like - put the two sides together with right sides facing and sew a seam straight down the back...Voila! You have a beautifully shirred top or dress for someone special or even yourself.

I hope you'll try this super easy technique on your favorite lazy dazy Saturday - you will be so proud of yourself when your done! Smooches!

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Summer is Here!

The sun is out, warm, shinning, and happy. Whether you are ready to hit the pool or enjoy a glass of lemonade, you know you need some new items from great stores. Enjoy a few great summery items from these EtsyKid shops.

**Enjoy this great summer necklace from Allie Bug Boutique , perfect bright colors for the sun.




**Have fun in the sun eating an ice cream cone, wearing this great Ice Cream Tank by I Wanted to Wonder.




**Stay shady in this Blue Visor Sun Hat Hat from Sugar Plum Baby.




**Don’t you just want to get wet and swim with this Fishy Baby Bib by Posh Kids Co.




**This fun Watermelon Hair Band from Fate Goddess is making me hungry for some juicy melon.




Written by:
Marie - http://www.thestitchingbarn.etsy.com/

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Eeny Meanie

Eeny Meanie's shop is so hip and cool! She creates fun and unique baby and toddler clothes. She is adding her summer line to her shop which includes some fabulous fabrics and colors. All of her clothes are limited edition and one of a kind. My personal favorite is her summer citrus jumper and matching panties. This set is adorable and perfect for those soon to be here warm months.



These little boy summer pants are precious. The will be able to be worn for a long time too since they are cut longer and have an adjustable waist.



Too see more of Eeny Meanie’s great products please visit her Etsy shop: EenyMeanie.etsy.com


Written by:
Rachel (seasidequilts.etsy.com)

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