Free Project - Strapless Tunic

Project provided courtesy of:JoAnn Fabric & Craft Stores

Strapless Tunic Supplies

1 yd light to midweight cotton fabric     1 yd 1/2" wide elastic     1 spool coordinating thread     Scissors or rotary cutter and mat     French curve     Basic sewing supplies     Iron & ironing surface     Sewing machine Directions Note: All seam allowances 1/2" Sizing: for size Medium Bust 36: FRONT: Cut 1 piece 21"x29" (wxl) BACK: Cut 1 piece 21"x28" (wxl) BELT: 5"x36". Belt measurements are for all sizes. Optional – For more room at hip and hem, add 1"-2" to bottom edge of front and back. Draw diagonal line from top to new bottom measurement. For size 32 bust, grade down 2" in width and 1" in length For size 34 bust, grade down 1" in width and 1/2" in length For size 38 bust, grade up 1" in width and 1/2" in length For size 40 bust, grade up 2" in width and 1" in length Cut front and back following measurements and guidelines listed above. Cut out belt. To shape the front piece at top, measure down 1" from top at sides and make a mark. Make a mark at the center front at top. Using a french curve, draw a curved line from mark at side to the mark at center. Trim the fabric above curve. With right sides together, stitch the side seams to within 6" of the bottom edge. Backstitch. Clip the seam allowance at the end of stitching up to the stitching but not through it. Press seams open below cut. To create side slits, turn the seam allowance to the inside. Make a narrow 1/4" double-fold hem. Topstitch in place. Hem bottom edge with a 5/8" double hem. Trim off 1/8" of seam allowance at side seams. Zigzag stitch together to finish. To make the casing at top, place the elastic around chest above bust and under arms. Stretch it slightly until it feels comfortable. Add 2" to the measurement and cut. Press top raw edge of tunic under 1/4" and another 3/4".12. Topstitch close to the inside fold of casing. Leave a 1½" opening. Thread elastic through casing using a safety pin. Overlap the ends 1" and stitch together to secure. Stitch opening closed. For belt, fold in half lengthwise with right sides together and raw edges even. Stitch along all edges, leaving a 5" opening for turning. Trim corners and seams. Turn right side out and press. Edge stitch along all sides.

PALLET HOUSE DIY

Here's a link with actual plans on how to make a pallet house.

If not a house, how about a shed, storage room, garage or, on a smaller scale, a child's play house .

http://www.tinypallethouse.com/2008/08/add-windows-and-a-door/

Making It Well: I Made My Own Dress Form!

Found this great tutorial on making your own dress form from brown paper tape from the office or art supply store.  This is the post from Jo at her blog, Making It Well.  Estimated cost:  $17.50

Making It Well: I Made My Own Dress Form!: 

Here's a list of supplies Jo used - she provides step by step instructions and pictures on her blog.

Well, shall we get started?

Here’s what you will need:

-paper tape

-scissors
-garbage bag or thin t-shirt you don't mind cutting up
-masking/duct tape 
-newspapers/fabric scraps/stuffing
-flip flops
-sponge 
-thick cardboard
-blow dryer (optional)
-an awesome husband or helper

Click here for Jo's complete step-by-step tutorial at Making It Well