Scrap Buster: DIY Butterflies (with a free pattern)

This post originally appeared on The Sewing Rabbit and today I'm bringing it home. Such a fun project for using extra fabric.

Fabric scraps. Every sewer has oodles of fun bits of beautiful fabric left over from another project, myself included. Well, all those bits can be put to good use with this fun and VERY versatile project: fabric butterflies.

I originally thought about making these butterflies to use as decorations on a wall. I'm always looking for inexpensive and fun ways to make my house pretty. (Especially after the major renovation we did because our house was completely ruined by water. I still don't have decorations on most of our walls.) But after making a few of these butterflies, I realized they could be used for much more than wall art. They are SO versatile. You can use them for everything from hair clips, to embellishing gifts, to placing on your walls, lampshades, or even putting in picture frames.

Want to make some too? (Caution: once you get started it's hard to stop - they're so easy and cute!)

Here's what you need:
- Pattern Pieces (download them here)
- Fusible Interfacing (I used Pellon Midweight)
- Small Scraps of Fabric (ANY fabric will work. I used linen, cotton, canvas, satin, knit, etc.)
- Felt (optional - you will need a tiny amount of felt if you want to add a tab to the back of your butterflies that allows them to easily be used as a hair clip)

Step 1: Prepare your pattern pieces by cutting them out. There are four different sizes you can layer together.

Step 2: Once you choose the size you want to make, cut a square of interfacing big enough to fit each size pattern piece you are using. (Hint: the interface square measurement is located on the downloadable pattern sheet.) You can also cut fabric slightly larger than the interfacing. Then iron the interfacing to your fabric per the manufacturer's directions. I went a little overboard and did LOTS of butterflies at the same time by just lining them up on the ironing board.

Step 3: Fold your interfaced fabric in half and place the butterfly pattern piece along the fold. Then cut around the piece. Because the pieces are so small, I didn't see a need to pin. You can just hold the piece firmly in place as you cut.

Step 4: Place the small cut out on top of the larger butterfly piece with right sides facing up on both pieces. Sew a basting stitch down the center from top to bottom. Back-stitch once or twice at the bottom to make sure the threads hold and then leave the threads long.

Step 5: Gathering the butterflies a little bit helps their wings 'pop' up a bit. To create the gathers, first tie a knot in the lower threads to further reinforce them and make sure they don't pull out. Then gently pull one of the upper threads to gather the butterfly slightly. Once it is gathered in the way you want, tie a double knot in the top threads to secure them. (You can sew a tighter stitch down the center if you'd like to but I found it held really well with the knots.)

The next step is optional. I added a small tab to the back of the tiniest butterflies in order to easily use them for hair clips or on gifts. You can skip this step if you plan on just using tape or a product like the 3M Command Strips to attach them to a wall.

Step 6: Cut a small rectangle out of felt. (Felt is perfect for the tabs because it does not fray and is soft against the head if you're making hair clips.) Fold the smaller fabric butterfly over to the other side so it's out of the way while you're sewing. Then place the tab on the wrong side of the larger butterfly wing and sew it down across each end. The threads will be hidden behind the wings of the smaller butterfly.

You can easily slip a barrette or bobby pin through the tab now. You could also use the butterfly on a headband, or slide ribbon through the tab to use when wrapping a gift. There are so many possibilities!

Now go bust through your fabric stash and make some amazing little butterflies! And please share them when you do, we'd love to see your creations.

Once I got started making them, I just couldn't stop! I put several of my sample sets up for sale in my Etsy store. Feel free to browse them for inspiration in pattern mixing and be sure to check out details on the blog of my soon-to-be-released pattern. I'm looking for testers now. All the details are here. Hmmm, maybe these butterflies would make a cute applique too! I'm telling you, the possibilities are endless!

Happy sewing!

DIY Butterflies...and a Call for Pattern Testers

Today I'm sharing a FREE pattern over at The Sewing Rabbit for some fun fabric scrap-busting butterflies. Plus, right here I'm sharing a super exciting announcement (further down in this post). And by the way, the picture below makes me a little sad because we're in the process of taking down the round crib. Henry hasn't used it in months (remember this?) and with no more babies in the house...it's time. At least I got to use it for a picture of the butterflies! (and be sure to check out my etsy store if you want to buy the samples I made)

Now...onto the exciting news. I am getting ready to release my first sewing pattern!! I'm thrilled to share some details with you today and I need some testers!

So, what's the pattern, you ask? I am pleased to introduce you to...the Ultimate Apron!

Here's what makes this apron the 'ultimate:'

• It's completely reversible so your little one can have two totally different looks and color stories to wear with everything.
• It's an accessory piece to be worn over any skirt, dress, or pants. You could use it as a cooking apron if you want, but it was designed as more of a 'fashion apron.'
• Putting the apron (with pockets) on over a dress that doesn't have pockets allows your little one to carry lots of treasures. Kids love pockets!
• This pattern lets you sew a very professional looking piece with no exposed seams.
• There are oodles of trim and finishing options, including a scalloped hem.
• You can choose whether you want an apron that's just a skirt, or has a top piece as well.

The wardrobe possibilities are endless:

The dress above is the Emmaline dress by Violette Field Threads. A gorgeous dress on its own...but look how fun it is with the apron! My daughter Emerald LOVES these two pieces together!

But, of course, her sister Isa has to get in on the fun too. So she can take the SAME apron, reverse it to the other side and wear it with her favorite dress too! (Stay tuned for details about this gorgeous dress tomorrow.)

And with the cute pocket, all the little stuffed animal friends around our house are having fun too! Here's a peek at the scalloped hem option.

Now for the testing details:

I am looking for several people to test the Ultimate Apron pattern and send me feedback and photos of the finished cuteness. If you'd like to test it...head over to the facebook page and leave me the information I request there. I can't wait to see what you make with this pattern!

The Amazing Sewing Rabbit

I am THRILLED to announce that I am on the 2013 Creative Team for the Sewing Rabbit! I will be contributing tutorials to that site from time to time and can't wait to show you what I've been working on.

Today, on the Sewing Rabbit blog, you can see the other members of the team (they are all amazing - WOW!) and you'll see a few projects that we've each done. Here are several from me (links under the image if you want to get details on a specific project). 

Valentine Envelope tutorial
Paint Shirt tutorial
Darling little booties (one of my favorite projects ever)
My first real sewing project (a dress for my little girl)
Dapper boy (with links to patterns and tutorials I used to make this outfit)

Can't wait to share some more tutorials with you soon! In the meantime, we can get to know each other here on the blog, or facebook, or pinterest. Happy sewing!

...and a HUGE thanks to Jessica from the Sewing Rabbit for her amazing site (have you checked out Sew Set yet?) and for letting me contribute!