r-anne-dom : a place for me (anne) to leave random blog posts.
Such as:
..knitting, sewing, and other random activities pursued
..Girl Guides of Canada : yep, Guiding Lives Here
..the 4 shops on Etsy : one features quality handmade items; the second has lots of patterns, & crafting supplies; the third is stocked with Vintage; and the fourth is guiding flowers.
Enjoy the r-anne-domness!

June 27, 2015

Tutorial - Tshirt Headband with Celtic Knot

Tutorial - Tshirt Headband with Celtic Knot

I based my headband on this tutorial (thanks so much!) and decided to add an elastic to it for some easement.

Here is the finished headband!


I started with a tshirt from a fundraiser - it was purple and that is the colour for the Trefoil Guild of Girl Guides of Canada and I was attending the Ontario Trefoil Gathering so I needed to wear some purple!


First cut off the hem at the bottom of the tshirt.


Next, cut strips across the bottom of the tshirt approximately 2 inches wide.


Like this.  And cut 2 for each headband.


Now stretch them out so they curl up - and this hides any logo or whatever that is on the "front" side of the tshirt - it will actually be the "wrong" side or inside of the tshirt that shows.  Nice way to recycle or upcycle an old tshirt!


Here are my 6 strips - enough for 3 headbands!


OOPS!  
I forgot to take photos of me making my celtic knot!
Sorry!
It is the same as shown here though.
(hm, she calls it a sailor's knot and I thought it was
 a celtic knot .. well, I'm not sure so I'll just leave mine as
a celtic knot ~ if you know for sure, leave me a comment!)

Okay, back to the tutorial.

After you make the knot, this is how I did the ends.

I cut a piece from the sleeve about 5 inches by 5 inches.
Fold it in half and sew along one side to make a tube.


The tube should be about 1.5 inches wide.

Turn it right side out. 


Fold under one raw edge. 
I pinned it for the photo.


Now, set the tube aside.  
We'll get back to that.

I sewed each of the ends of my headband to stabilize them.


Then, I cut a piece of elastic about 5 inches long.
Fold it in half.
Sew it to one side of the headband.
I sewed mine about an inch from the end.


Now, take the tube and slide it over the elastic.

Slide the end you turned under (with the pins).


I took the pin out and re-pinned it just past the elastic.

This is because the tube is going to hide the elastic when we are done.


Stitch in place.  
Be SURE to catch ONLY the ONE side of the tube.


See?
When I turn it over you can see the other side is still free.

(edited to add....Hm, actually, there is no reason for this.)
So if you want, you can go through all layers.  :)


Now, reach in from the other end of the tube and pull out the elastic.

Pin it into place on the other end of the headband.

Be sure not to twist the headband!!


Sew that elastic in place, then fold under the tube and sew it into place.

Ta! Da!


(don't look at the grey hairs!! or are they blonde??)

Let me see your headbands!!
Post them on my facebook page here.

June 25, 2015

Only 6 months away!!


Only 6 months left!

That sounds like a lot of time for many of you, but I have gifts to make!
Knitting to do!
Things to sew!
and gifts to crochet!

I am running out of time!

... okay, deep breath, and finish the current project so I can start the next ... one thing at a time ... I can do this.  :)

June 05, 2015

Roasting Marshmallows



Is there anything better than an evening campfire and roasting marshmallows?

It has been years...and I forgot how WONDERFUL a roasted marshmallow tastes!

Mmmmm!

June 04, 2015

World Environment Day 2015

World Environment Day 2015

On 5 June each year people across the world celebrate World Environment Day, and we’re joining in the celebrations!

This year the theme is "Seven Billion Dreams. One Planet. Consume with Care".

Our planet cannot keep up ... (click to read more)...




June 01, 2015

Happy June!

It's a chilly start to June today, 
but there is the promise of 
summer 
on the horizon!

May 25, 2015

3 Steps for Brainstorming a Better Creative Business

3 Steps for Brainstorming a Better Creative Business

Ready to turn your dreams of successful creative entrepreneurship into reality? Find out how brainstorming can help your business grow organically.

Have you thought about starting your own Etsy shop and launching your own brand, but have no idea what you would sell? 
Or perhaps you have a long list of ideas for improving your existing shop, but can't figure out how to choose one, take the leap and run with it?

May 24, 2015

The Rule of 12


The Rule of 12

Someone shared the Rule of 12 with me recently, so here are MY 12!

And an explanation.

Spring is here and a seasonal change often provides a good opportunity for a clean, fresh start. Mentally it is time to toss away the winter blues and prepare for the busy and exciting days of summer. Physically, it is time to rid yourself of things you’ve been clinging on to for far too long. Consider the rule of 12 when de-cluttering your spaces this spring:
12 items to keep
12 items to throw away
12 items to donate

So here are MY 12!

12 items to keep – my yarns, my fabrics, sewing supplies, patterns to sell, craft supplies that will be used within 24 months, craft books, buttons (they are almost all sorted!), clothes to mend, pool noodles (one more chance to see if I use them this summer!), denim jeans with rips but only for 24 months and if not used then they go!, GuideStuff & Green Machine and Owls & Toadstools Guiding booklets to scan this year, and those plastic shelves (not ready to part with them yet!).

12 items to throw away – last year’s bills, previous years Guiding records (shred), old copies of tax returns (shred), bag of clothes, old make up, chipped plates, expired items in the fridge, expired foods in the pantry, expired meds (to the pharmacy), pens and markers that don’t work! (surprising how much room they take up!), the floppy disks (yes, it’s time), and plastic storage items that are past their usefulness.

12 items to donate – recipe books, board games, jigsaw puzzles, craft supplies with no plans, single knitting needles (someone must be looking for odd needles/sizes), canning jars (already know who to send them to!), purses, shoes, mini ipod, coats, empty bottles and cans (to a bottle/can drive), and thermos jugs.


May 23, 2015

Best Ways to Practice Portion Control at Home




Best Ways to Practice Portion Control at Home 

Eat less without feeling deprived

Let’s face it: Portion control can be challenging. And if you’re looking to lose weight or just maintain a healthy lifestyle, managing how much you eat on a daily basis is a priority. But it can be tricky to gauge the right-sized meals or avoid helping yourself to seconds.


 The good news: There are several ways you can limit your potions, but still feel satisfied.

May 22, 2015

Most Pinned Post on Pinterest!

This is My Most Pinned Post on Pinterest!


blog post is for a beach themed baby shower ... 
... and it would also work for a destination wedding/bridal shower, 
which is how I found it so long ago!

Many thanks to Creative Mommas for a great blog post!

May 21, 2015

Tips to Stop Procrastinating

Tips to Stop Procrastinating

Ways to avoid putting things off and to be more productive



Procrastination happens to the best of us. Whether it’s postponing the reorganization of your closet, an assignment at work, or refinancing your home, we’ve all delayed projects that we didn’t want to do at a certain point in time. But procrastination only temporarily makes you feel better.


April 22, 2015

April 20, 2015

6 Ways You Can Take Part in Earth Week

6 Ways You Can Take Part in Earth Week

Earth Week is April 20 – 24, 2015


You can take small actions to benefit the environment. It’s the little things that count, and collectively we can make a big difference. 

Medication Drop offs
Drop off your expired medications at your local pharmacy or drug store so they are disposed of in a safe and responsible way.  Most pharmacies will take your expired medications.

Alkaline Battery Collection
Drop your alkaline batteries at local collection boxes. I have seen collection boxes at hardware stores like Home Hardware, Rona & Home Depot and at other big box stores like Staples and Best Buy. Check your local stores to safely dispose of your batteries and ensure they are disposed of with the least impact to the environment. 

Stamp Out Styrofoam
Before asking for a doggie bag check with the restaurant to see what options they provide for wrapping your leftovers. Instead of a styrofoam container perhaps they will provide you with paper wrap and a paper bag, compostable containers, or foil. Or do you have plastic zipper bags that you can carry with you?

Save A Cup
Purchase a reusable coffee cup and use this at your local coffee outlet. Some coffee outlets offer discounts on the price of coffee if you provide your own cup!

Blue Bin Recycling
Do you know what can and cannot be put into your blue bin? Our community recently expanded the list of items collected! We can include coffee take out cups and lids in our blue bins - although they request we separate the cups and lids - and that's a great addition to the list!

Old Cell Phone and Electronics Recycling
Similar to batteries, many local stores also accept old cell phones and electronics for recycling. In some communities, charitable organizations collect old cell phones as a fund raiser!  Find your local organization or drop off location and be smart about recycling your electronics!




March 20, 2015

It's Spring!! (well, according to the calendar...)

It's Spring!! 

(well, according to the calendar...)


Soon enough there will be flowers blooming in the garden!  I can't wait!