Hi there.
I'm running around like crazy trying to get ready for my time at camp. The list-making I mentioned yesterday is definitely helping, although I think I may need to consolidate soon -- working from two or three lists is getting a little confusing.
Last night around 9pm, I managed to finally make one of the fabric necklaces I intend to teach a class on at camp. Very easy (except for turning the fabric tube part) and pretty cute once finished. The first one I made is a short version, but a longer one is in the works. These necklaces are definitely a great way to use up some fabric scraps, and I always like it when I find projects that work for that.
I didn't take any photos while making the necklace above, but all you need to do is:
1. Sew a long fabric tube (with both ends left open)-- the necklace above was made from a tube that was approximately 3 ft. long and about an inch wide-- so the longer the better for longer necklaces.
2. Tie one end of the tube in a knot. I started about 6 inches away from the end, but you can do whatever you like.
3. Put a large wooden or plastic bead (it can be the cheapest you can find) inside the tube and tie a knot snug against it on both sides to hold it in place. Continue this process until you have completed the entire tube, or have the necklace length you like.
4. Tie off the other end of the tube (same distance as you chose for the first end).
5. Tie the necklace on and off you go!
** vintage scarves work great for this -- the silky fabric is really nice to tie in knots.
Before I run, I wanted to mention that Joslyn over at Simple Lovely asked me about my favorite things, and wouldn't you know, I had a few that came to mind. (Thanks, Joslyn)
I'll say hello again soon.
Happy Friday,
Leya
very cool
Posted by: Carrie | July 10, 2009 at 01:08 PM
A nifty trick you might try to make the turning of the tube a bit easier...Take a piece of string (something thicker, like yarn or crochet thread) and place it along the inside of the tube while you are sewing the seams together. At one end, I tie the yarn into a thick knot (so it doesn't accidentally slip through the seam at the end). Then sew across the top (where the knot of the string is) sewing it back and forth so it is secure. Now you can just pull the string and it should turn the tube inside out. When you're finished, just cut off the end where the knot is. Clear as mud? :)
I'm going to have to try this necklace. It's awfully cute!
Posted by: Anna Allen | July 10, 2009 at 01:43 PM
oh its lovely!! i dont like the ones i see in stores, but this one is much prettier and hopefully mine will turn out somewhat like it. :) thank you for sharing!
i hope that your time at camp is a lot of fun!!
Posted by: kendall micayla | July 10, 2009 at 02:02 PM
*squeal!* i love it, leya! thanks for the new project!
have a blast @ camp! i cannot wait to see your photos!
cheers!
a
Posted by: amy | July 10, 2009 at 02:45 PM
even that easy is not easy for something being that clumsy as i am :) but i will definetely ask my creative friend C if we could do a little session together ( in the end those sessions are her finishing my part...)
i bought one similar to the one you made on Portobello Road market 3 years ago - the guy selling them made them from old ties and you could still see that it was one because he left the ends to tie them around your neck. i hope you get the idea - i think you might like that as well!
Posted by: Anne | July 10, 2009 at 05:38 PM
oh, and of course i am still someONE not someTHING - long week...
Posted by: Anne | July 10, 2009 at 05:39 PM
ahhh i've tried to do that look before and thought it was just wrapped and knotted. it's not. a tube... that makes perfect sense now.
Posted by: caroline | July 10, 2009 at 09:29 PM
lovely things over there on your list, of course. but wait! what is it that you use to protect your camera instead of a camera bag!? i'm dying to know!
Posted by: emily | July 10, 2009 at 10:41 PM
Hold the phone! It's camp time again? Damn the year went by fast.
Posted by: Shona~ LALA dex press | July 11, 2009 at 12:22 AM
ohh, I love it! it looks so adorable!
Rayne
urbanpastel.com
Posted by: Rayne | July 11, 2009 at 03:16 AM
I like this! Wonderful job!
Posted by: alexandria | July 11, 2009 at 02:41 PM
i love love love your blog :)
i hope you don't mind me linking you.
Posted by: katrina | July 11, 2009 at 04:53 PM
I remember making these when I was a kid. I used marbles inside and pony beads (I think this is what they're called) instead of knots. The marbles have a really nice weight to them. I haven't thought about these in years!
Posted by: Rachael, Pistachio Press | July 13, 2009 at 01:00 PM
How did I miss this post? Love your new necklace!
Posted by: sherri/the claw | July 14, 2009 at 08:55 PM