My daughter has been after me all summer to give her some sewing lessons. I am not a master seamstress, but have the basics down. We hauled out my sewing machine and Kate ended up tweaking some t-shirts and figuring out some basic skills. She did a great job.
Since my sewing machine was out...I had to get crafty. I had a bunch of old vintage crepe paper cut into long lengths that I had gotten at an estate sale. Each strip was between 2 and 5 inches wide and was BEGGING to be made into ruffles.
BEFORE - crepe paper strips:
I just took each long strip of crepe paper and sewed it down the center with a basic stitch. I pushed the paper thru with my fingers on each side to give the ruffle effect. It is SUPER SIMPLE.
Voila!
This is a really addictive craft...just watch your fingers.
These are ready to be put to crafting use. Plus it is a great way to recycle crepe paper.
I love the colors in these ruffles!!!! Hope you had a productive labor day weekend - I sure did.
Beautiful crepe ruffles! I love that project it is addicting (:
Hugs, Diane
Posted by: Diane | September 07, 2009 at 05:58 PM
Great project. I am really seeing potential. I want to make some right now!
Posted by: Lynnae | September 07, 2009 at 06:01 PM
How clever! I think I have some crepe paper hiding somewhere around here....
Posted by: Jan | September 07, 2009 at 06:29 PM
Laurie, love the crepe paper I will have to try it out...I have to say my Labor was productive a did a good portion in my art room - yahoo... need to continue the project tomorrow after work...have a honey of a night - sweet dreams! peace & many blessings 2 "U" Marlene
Posted by: Marlene | September 07, 2009 at 07:11 PM
okay now I want to see the rest of how you use them..:) love the festive colors..:)
Posted by: Gina | September 08, 2009 at 12:09 AM
Love the festive colors. It's been a lot of years since I've sewn crepe paper. I used to do it with my grandmother - what a wonderful memory you brought back to me.
I used to take my daughter shopping for back to school clothes and then she'd shanghai my sewing machine and take it to her room. What I bought and what she designed were totally different things. She always had a good eye for design.
Have a great day - I'll be posting about my Flea Market finds in the next day or so - will let you know so you can check them out.
Lynn
Posted by: Lynn | September 08, 2009 at 05:50 AM
You know, I've always wondered how those ruffles were made--I can't believe it's so easy! I thought it would be much trickier. Hmm..my machine's still out too, maybe I need to do a few ruffles before I put it away! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Heidi | September 08, 2009 at 07:31 AM
I use a lot of festooning in my crafts. I spend more money on it than I want and I can't always find it in all the colors I want. It just occurred to me yesterday that I could probably make it - so I layered black, orange and black then I actally glued mine down the center since I don't have a sewing machine. After my glue dried, I cut the edges in strips towards the center. After I cut is all, I kind of shook it and rubbed it and messied it up and I HAD MADE FESTOONING! I was proud! Last night I came to your blog and here was this tutorial. Great minds must think alike. :D
Posted by: Shara | September 08, 2009 at 09:16 AM
Ooooohhh...time to get the sewing machine out. Thanks for this simple lesson!!! I always fold the crepe paper before sewing, but this is so much better!
Posted by: Crystal | September 08, 2009 at 04:26 PM
So pretty!
xo
Dot
Posted by: one gal's trash | September 08, 2009 at 11:31 PM
I have had such a good time catching up on your blog. Your organizational post was awesome. I wish I could say it was life changing, but I may be a little overly optimistic. Happy crafting with all that great stuff!
Posted by: Melony at Whimsy Daisy! | September 09, 2009 at 11:31 PM