DIY Ironing Board Cover: Sewing Tutorial

Does your ironing board cover have stains, rips or is it just looking cruddy?  Perhaps it’s time to replace it, and I’m going to show you how to easily make your own! It’s an easy sewing project that you can make in no time at all.

Not only will you save money by making your own cover; you can customize it by choosing the fabric. There are so many options.

I will demonstrate on a mini ironing board, but you can do the same thing with a full-size ironing board. (You will obviously need more fabric, elastic, and bias tape to cover a full-size board).

By the way, I love my little mini ironing board! It is great because there are so many little ironing projects (my sewing projects) that don’t require the big one. I can just throw it on my counter top and go to town. It saves so much room and stores away real nicely. The legs can fold down. This is the one I prefer. It comes with a cover, but I have already replaced mine due to iron water stains. However, making a new cover is NOT a big deal, if you know how. 🙂

video tutorial available at the end of this post

If you are a visual learner, the short video tutorial will show you the process step by step and give extra bonus tips. Check it out below.

Ironing board cover items and materials needed

Instructions

1 – Make a pattern

Place the board wrong side up on top of the material you are using for the pattern (paper or cloth).  Using a seam gauge or measuring tape, measure 1 ½ inches away from the edge of the board and mark with a pencil or chalk. Connect markings to create an outline. Cut out along the line.

2 – Save the pattern in a marked envelope for later use.

This makes it so you don’t have to trace the board every time you want a new one.

3 – Take the pattern and place it on top of the fabric you’re using to make the cover.

Pin in place and cut out.

If you need a new pad, cut one out using a piece of cotton batting or thin foam. (You may want to double the batting).

4 – Apply the bias tape.

With the right side of the fabric facing up, apply the bias tape to the edge of the fabric. Start at the middle bottom of the board. Line up edges and pin in place. Curve the tape around the corners.

When you get to the beginning, overlap the bias tape by 1 inch and cut. Fold the edge of the bias tape on the bottom up by ½ inch and place the other end over the top. (This is where you will be inserting the elastic).

5 – Sew the bias tape onto the cover.

Start at the overlapped tape and sew all the way around. Sew in the pre-pressed fold of the bias tape closet to the edge. Backstitch at the beginning and end of seam.

 

6 – Fold the bias tape over and topstitch, just inside the fold all the way around.

7 – Apply the safety pin to the end of the elastic.

 

 

7 – Apply the safety pin to the end of the elastic.

8 – Insert a safety pin into the little hole you created with bias tape and thread all the way around, pulling as you go.

(Make sure you don’t pull too much and loose the end of the elastic). I like to pin the end when I start getting close to the end of the elastic.

 

9 – Place the cover onto the ironing board and adjust elastic to fit.

Overlap elastic to fit and pin in place.

 

10 – Sew ends of elastic in place with the sewing machine and cut off extra elastic.

11 – Even out the fabric and elastic.

 

12-Remove cover and topstitch folded ends of the bias tape to keep it from fraying when washed.

 

There you have it, a nice new, clean, and styling ironing board cover.

 

Play Video

Have fun sewing!

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Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwich Recipe

chicken salad croissant
chicken salad croissant

If you’re looking for something good to serve at a luncheon, or light dinner, this chicken salad croissant sandwich is the BEST!

The simple ingredients in this chicken salad are flavorful but not overpowering.

My mouth is watering as I’m typing this up.

The red grapes give it a beautiful snap of color and taste delicious, however, you can omit the grapes. I

If you want to skip the bread, the chicken salad works great served on a bed of lettuce. 

 

Use the same first six ingredients to make a yummy potato or macaroni salad!

Chicken salad croissant sandwich Ingredients

  • 2 cans of cooked chicken breast or easily make your own shredded chicken
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 tsp. mustard
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 cup celery, chopped
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1/2 cup red grapes, chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 cup cashews, (optional)
  • fresh croissants

Instructions

  • Mix the mayonnaise, yogurt, mustard, salt, and pepper in a medium mixing bowl.
  • Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well.
  • Serve on a croissant roll, or on a bed of greens.
This makes a great luncheon sandwich served with chips and fruit.

Enjoy!

Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwich

The simple ingredients in this chicken salad are flavorful but not overpowering. Makes a great luncheon sandwich.
  • Prep Time15 min
  • Total Time15 min
  • Yield6
  • Serving Size1/2 cup

INGREDIENTS

    • 2 cans cooked chicken breast or easily make your own shredded chicken
    • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
    • 1/4 tsp. salt
    • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
    • 1/2 tsp. mustard
    • 1/4 tsp pepper
    • 1/2 cup celery, chopped
    • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
    • 1/2 cup red grapes, chopped (optional)
    • 1/4 cup cashews, (optional)
    • fresh croissants

INSTRUCTIONS

1

Mix the mayonnaise, yogurt, mustard, salt, and pepper in a medium mixing bowl.

 
2

Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well.

3

Serve on a croissant roll, or on a bed of greens.

  • 6 servings per container
  • Serving Size1/2 cup
  • Amount per serving
  • Calories0
  • % Daily Value*Standard DV
  • Total Fat7 g78 g8.97%
  • Saturated Fat1 g20 g5%
  • Cholesterol2 mg300 mg0.67%
  • Sodium80 mg2300 mg3.48%
  • Protein1 g50 g2%
  • Unsaturated Fat 6

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Jan Howell

Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

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Fleece Coneflower: Free Pattern and Tutorial

I do love flowers, and coneflowers are one of my favorites. I have had this magazine page pinned to my bulletin board for some time now, and this was my inspiration for this new fleece coneflower pattern.

Who would have thought that FLEECE would be a great medium for making flowers?  Well, it is!
This fleece coneflower is so quick and easy to make you can have a bouquet made up in no time at all.

Materials & Items Needed

fleece coneflower instructions

  • First, plug in your glue gun so it will be ready when you need it.
  • Cut out 8 pedals. *Make sure to lay the pattern out on the stretch of the fabric, as indicated on the pattern. You can use a couple of different shades if you like.
  • Stretch the petals.  This will make them curl up slightly
  • Do this to all 8 petals. (The top of the petal will be curled up edge)
  • Double thread your needle with a knot at the end.  With the curled edges up, fold the petal in half lengthwise, and stitch to secure in place.
  • Join two petals together, with the tops facing up (curled edge).  Alternate colors if you are using more than one color.  Stitch back and forth a few times to secure.
  • Continue stitching petals together until you have joined all eight.
  • Turn flower over and join the first petal to the last.  Stitch around one more time catching the back of each petal.  Pull tight and knot.  Cut your thread.

 

Coneflower Center

  • Using the flower center pattern piece, cut out one center using the color of your choice.  You can use felt or fleece.
  • Using a simple basting stitch, sew around the outer edge, about 3/8 inch inside the outer edge.
  • Poke the needle to the outside and pull slightly to gather in edges.  Fill with stuffing, or I just like to use little pieces of scrap felt.  It works great.
  • Pull the thread tight to gather in the edges.  Use a pencil or some other device to poke the raw edges to the inside of the ball.  Pull the thread and tuck, keep doing this until you have worked all the edges inside.

 

  • Stitch back and forth to secure in place.  Don’t worry too much what your stitches look like, as they will not be seen.  Knot and cut thread.

 

  • Dab a little bit of hot glue to the back of your flower center and press firmly onto the front center of your flower.

Making the Stem

  • To make a cute stem, simply paint a bamboo skewer green and cut out a felt leaf.  Using the glue gun, add a dab of glue to the bottom 2 inches of the leaf.  Place the stem on top.

 

  • Add just a little more glue and fold the edges over.

Tadah!  Wasn’t that easy and fun.

Send me a note if you have any questions or concerns while sewing these up.

felt flower wrist corsage
Learn how to make a wrist corsage here.
 
I have designed a fun pattern with 5 other types of flowers using felt and fleece. 

GET THE PATTERN HERE

Enjoy!

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Gluten-Free Rosemary Breadsticks

If you are opting out of grains, these gluten-free rosemary breadsticks are a yummy option! Even if you can eat wheat, these are a good change of pace. They are soft and chewy with a hint of rosemary (my favorite) and garlic. The tall skinny shape of these breadsticks makes them perfect for dipping in spaghetti sauce or accompanied by a bowl of hearty soup.

gluten-free rosemary breadsticks Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 cups blanched almond flour
  • 2 egg
  • 4 tsp. olive oil
  • 2 tsp. honey
  • 1/2 tsp. sea salt
  • 2 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary/ can be replaced with 2 tsp. caraway seeds
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic salt
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda

Instructions

1 -Preheat oven to 350°F

2- Place all ingredients in a mixing bowl of a stand mixer and mix until a ball of dough forms.

A hand mixer can be used.

3- Roll the dough out on a piece of parchment paper to form a log.

4- Cut the long into ten pieces.

5-Take each piece of dough and roll into a pencil shape about six inches long.

6-Place the breadsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing evening.

7-Bake for 12 minutes. Turn halfway through.

To enrich flavor, brush with melted butter or ghee after baking. YUM, YUM!

You may be interested in some of my favorite soup recipes

Gluten-Free Rosemary Breadsticks

Gluten-free rosemary breadsticks
If you opting out of grains, these gluten-free rosemary breadsticks are a yummy option! They are soft and chewy with a hint of rosemary and garlic.
  • Prep Time15 min
  • Cook Time12 min
  • Total Time27 min
  • Yield10 bread sticks
  • Serving Size1 stick

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 1/2 cups blanched almond flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 4 tsp. olive oil
  • 2 tsp. honey
  • 1/2 tsp. sea salt
  • 2 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary/ can be replaced with 4 tsp. caraway seeds
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic salt
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda

INSTRUCTIONS

1

Preheat oven to 350°F

 
2

Place all ingredients in a mixing bowl of a stand mixer and mix until a ball of dough forms. A hand mixer can be used.

 
3

Roll the dough out on a piece of parchment paper to form a log.

4

Cut the long into ten pieces.

5

Take each piece of dough and roll into a pencil shape about six inches long.

 

6

Place the breadsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing evening.

7

Bake for 12 minutes. Turn halfway through.

To enrich flavor, brush with melted butter or ghee after baking. YUM, YUM!

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Jan Howell

Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

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DIY: Non-Toxic Foaming Hand Wash

Have you ever stopped to think what is in hand soap? Most hand soaps and lotions are full of toxic chemicals, especially antibacterial soaps. What you put on your skin is readily absorbed into the bloodstream and may be effecting your health. Here is a little information about why we should avoid anti-bacterial soaps, and consider making your own non-toxic foaming hand wash.

I’m trying not to put a lot of focus on the cold & flu, however, you’ve got to admit, these viruses are out there and there is something you can do to help prevent it. WASH YOUR HANDS! 

Makes sense, of course, since hand washing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. The Environmental Working Group (EWC)

What’s so bad about antibacterial soaps?

The main reason to avoid anti-bacterial soaps is its active ingredient: triclosan (and the related triclocarbon). Triclosan is an anti-bacterial chemical found in many consumer products, and it’s nearly ubiquitous in liquid hand soap. It is linked to liver and inhalation toxicity, and even low levels of triclosan may disrupt thyroid function. Further, the American Medical Association recommends that triclosan not be used in the home, as it may encourage bacterial resistance to antibiotics.

Just think of all the times you wash your hands everyday, or should be washing your hands (about 7-10 times a day) and what is going into your bloodstream via hand soap alone.

You and your children can avoid a lot of chemicals going into your system by simply choosing a non-toxic soap to wash your hands with.

I like to make my own foaming hand wash. use a blend of essential oils that Wild Orange, Clove, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary which offer a natural and effective way to clean your hands. This combination of essential oil is protects against environmental threats and it smells yummy!

It is super easy and takes only a few minutes to make.

Here is what you need:

how to make your own non-toxic foaming hand wash

Pour the liquid soap into the jar.

Add 10- 15 drops of essential oils.

There are a lot of great essential oil combinations to use. I like

  • 5 drops of Peppermint Oil and five drops of Melaleuca oil
  • 10-15 drops Lemon Oil
  • Use your creativity and your nose to create some other yummy blends.

Slowly add water. Shake gently.

If you see the soap and water separate, you may need to give it a little shake once in a while.

Simple, Safe, and Inexpensive! Keep a jar by every sink!

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Yarrow Tea: Cold & Flu Buster

With all the crud going around this time of year, I am going to share with you one of our families favorite go tos when it comes to cold & flu remedies. We love the herb yarrow and use it all the time!

Herbs are awesome!  You may have it in your mindset that herbs are a little weird and that only STRANGE people use herbs.  I will admit I had a few judgments myself.  I remember my first experience going into an herb store, and just the weird smell turned me off, (you know what I am talking about, right)?  Just because you use herbs doesn’t mean your house is going to have the aroma of a health food store. My kids friends have said on more than one occasion that my house smells organic.  I used to take take offense thinking they meant it smelt like a health food store or something, but I have been reassured that they like the smell. It’s probably a combination of essential oils and other natural products that we use in our home. Who knows?

Over the years, I have intensively explored the alternative field and I have found many things that work through trial and error.  I would like to share with you some home remedies we have tried and what HAS WORKED for us. I say  “we” because I have used these remedies on myself and my family. At first they thought I was a little strange when I had them drink some odd tasting herbal concoction, or when I crushed up a plant growing in the yard to put on a bee sting.  However, now they come to me and ask what they can use when they have a headache, or are experiencing an ailment of some kind. They ask because they know these things really do work.

Yarrow is classified as a “bitter herb” because of the volatile oil it contains.  It is not the best tasting, but you do acquire a taste for it.  I don’t mind the taste anymore and believe me, I have taken worse tasting things.  When you realize the benefits, who cares what it tastes like anyway.

What is Yarrow good for?

    • ANTISEPTIC and VIRAL INHIBITOR
    • BLOOD PURIFIER
    • CIRCULATION
    • COLDS AND FLU
    • DIGESTION
    • FEVER
    • INFLAMMATION

TONIC

This is a list of just a FEW of the many things yarrow is good for.  I recommend reading 10 essential herbs, by Lalitha Thomas.  Read my post about the book here.
This paragraph from Lalitha’s book is what sold me on Yarrow.

“Its volatile oil collects and absorbs many impurities (I think of it as gathering the toxins into little packets) and then, somewhat like a detergent, breaks down these “corralled” toxins into forms much easier for the body to eliminate without the usual illness symptoms.”

This winter my family has fared very well considering all the junk that is going around.  No really, people at work, school, friends, the family are all so sick and stay sick for some time.  We have had a few colds, but they don’t last long or we just haven’t gotten sick at all.  We do additional things like up the vitamin C, and a few other things to stay well, but I give the credit to the yarrow.

So if the crud is going around the neighborhood, don’t just sit there waiting for the symptoms to start, drink 1 to 2 cups of yarrow tea a day as a preventive tonic. If you already have symptoms, start flushing it out with 4 to 8 cups of Yarrow tea each day.

Yarrow is very easy to grow and dry yourself, which I do, but I like to stay stocked up on it and have plenty to share so I buy the dried herb in bulk on Amazon or you can get it at Starwest Botanicals.

Making a cup of herbal tea is a snap using either of these two nifty devices.

1- The mesh tea ball with a handle shown above is nice and inexpensive.

.

2 -One of my latest favorites for making tea in is the Grosche Perfect Tea Maker.

Everyone in our family has one. You simply put one teaspoon of dried herb in it and pour boiling water over it. After steeping for 10-15 minutes, you just place it on top of your mug and it strains and drains it. BAM !

To make a simple cup of tea:

  1. Boil water.
  2. Measure 1 teaspoon of the dried herb per cup of water.
  3. Steep for 10-15 minutes.

*I like to add a little dried peppermint to my tea. It tastes good and helps clear congestion in the body.

If you have not developed a taste for Yarrow and feel you need to sweeten it a bit, use raw honey or agave nectar.

You will soon learn to love and enjoy the taste.  Sip and enjoy the soothing comfort of Yarrow tea!

Stay well and be happy!

If you have questions or have had any great experiences using Yarrow, please post and share!

 

jan3

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How to Make Parchment Paper Treat Bags: Sewing Method

When it comes to giving treats, these little parchment paper treat bags are a fun, unique way to package goodies. They are simple to make and require items I’m sure you already have in your kitchen and craft box.

Parchment Paper Treat Bags Items Needed

  • Parchment paper (can be purchased on rolls or sheets)
  • paper scissors
  • rotary cutter & mat (optional)
  • stapler
  • sewing machine (could be stitched by hand)
  • ruler
  • ribbon, note cards, jute (optional for embellishments)

You may be wondering why I don’t have any glue listed on my list. I have tried gluing parchment paper and it JUST DOESN’T WORK!  After it dries, it comes apart. So I have come to the sewing method and it works like a charm. You know me, I like sewing paper!

You can also just use already assembled bags. I like these brown ones.

Watch the video tutorial below

Play Video

Instructions

1-  Decide how big you want your bags to be.

Suggested sizes: Large, Medium, Small

LARGE FINISHED SIZE: 7 X 6 INCHES

CUT PAPER: 12 1/2 X 8 1/2 INCHES

MEDIUM FINISHED SIZE: 5 1/2 X 5 INCHES

CUT PAPER: 10 1/2 X 7 INCHES

SMALL FINISHED SIZE: 6 X 4 INCHES

CUT PAPER: 8 X 6 1/2 INCHES

2-  Cut parchment paper to size.

I like using a rotary cutter because of the marked grid lines on the mat. However, you can use a pair of scissors and ruler.

3-  Line up short ends of paper (without creasing) and sew down the edge.

USE WHITE THREAD! The photo shows black only to emphasize the seam contrast.

4-  Open up the bag and eyeball the seam in the middle. 

Use your fingers to crease the outer edges of the bag. Fold seam and crease as well.

5-  Fold up bottom edge 1/2-3/4 inches and crease.

6-  Take the scissors and cut the outer corner of the folded paper.

Start at the fold crease. Do this for both sides. ( This is just to reduce bulk but not necessary). You can skip this step if you want.

7-  Cut away just the inner paper on fold line.

8-  Sew the bottom flap using the sewing machine. 

Get creative and use a fancy stitch if you want. There are a lot of options. Change thread colors to make the stitching pop.

9-  Now repeat steps 5-7 for the top flap.

10-Fill your bags with all kinds of treats.

 

11-Once the bag is filled, sew the flap closed.

12-Embellish with a ribbon, card, tag or whatever your creative bones can come up with.

Such a fun way to give treats!

These are great for party favors, children Valentine gifts, or an addition to any gift.

You may be interested in another Valentine craft: Paper Heart Garlands

Have fun crafting my friends!

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DIY Dog Sweater: Simple Upcycled Sewing Project

Keep your pooch warm with style in an upcycled dog sweater. I know some dogs really don’t need a sweater to go outside, but they sure look cute don’t they? My border collie actually likes wearing a sweater, even though with all that fluff, he really doesn’t need it. However, there are some breeds of dogs that could use that extra layer in the cold winter months.

So if you have an old sweater kicking around, this is an easy sewing project that you can make in no time at all. Even a beginner seamstress can make this. I give instructions on how to make this with a regular sewing machine and a serger.

Here are a few before and after shots.

I suppose you could make a sweater for your cat as well.

 

You can use all types of sweaters. The top sweater was made using a cotton sweater and the little red and black one was made from a felted wool sweater. You can also use upcycled sweatshirts and regular fleece fabric as well.

Sizes included in the pattern:

*Measure around your pet’s chest. Breeds indicated are for reference only as breed sizes may vary.

dog sweater Items and Materials Needed

  • Pattern downloaded and printed.
  • Upcycled Sweater, or sweatshirt (fleece fabric could work as well)
  • Sewing machine, Serger (optional)
  • Pins
  • Scissors
  • 2 inch strip of fleece for binding (optional)

Watch the full video tutorial HERE

Play Video

You may also be interested in some other upcycled sweater projects, check them out HERE.

Let me know if you ever have any questions or comments below. I would love to see what you’re making! 

Have fun sewing!

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Paper Heart Garlands: Made From Recycled Magazines

Looking for a fun Valentine’s craft? These paper heart garlands are easy to make and only require a few supplies. Best of all, this is a project where you can recycle. (I love re-purposing items). You can create such unique items when recycling, and these paper hearts are just that, one of a kind!

I am going to show you how to make two kinds of paper hearts: a simple single heart and a double heart. You can use both types of hearts to create a vertical and horizontal garland.

You can watch the video tutorial below.

Paper Heart Garland Items & Materials

  • magazine pages cut int strips 3/4 inches (2 cm)
  • paper punch (small 1/4 preferably)
  • stapler
  • jute or ribbon to hang hearts
  • paper cutter or rotary cutter
  • 1/2 sheet card stock paper (cut into 3/4 inch x 1 1/4 inches) 2 cm x 3 cm

Heart Garland Instructions

Cut magazine pages into strips 3/4 inches wide

To make a single heart: cut a bunch of strips 4 inches long. (You’ll need two strips for each heart)

To make a double heart: cut a bunch of strips 4 inches AND some strips 6 inches. (You’ll need 2 short strips and 2 long strips)

Cut card stock into tabs measuring 3/4 inches x 1 1/4 inches.

Punch a hole at the top as indicated in the photo above.

Single heart

Cut a strip of ribbon or jute and make a loop for hanging the heart.

Place the jute between two short strips, lining up the edges. Staple in place. (Make sure to catch the ribbon)

Open up the strips and fold back.

Line up strip ends and staple them in place. This will form a heart. You can hang a single heart or make a vertical heart garland.

If adding more hearts below, place another strip on one side of the bottom of the heart and another on the other side.

Line up paper ends and staple them in place. Fold the ends down and staple them again to form another heart.

Continue this process until you have a garland your desired length.

Continue this process until you have a garland your desired length.

Double heart

To make a double heart, you’ll need 2 long and two short strips, and one card stock tab for each heart.

Place the strips in the order as indicated in photo. (short, long, tab, long, short)

Align the bottom of the strips and tab and staple about 1/4 inch from the bottom

(Make sure ends are lined up evenly).

Open up the strips and fold them over, so all ends meet at the bottom to form a heart.

Staple in place.

If adding more hearts underneath, add strips as indicated in the photo above.

To make a horizontal garland:

Simply string jute or ribbon through the hole you stapled in the tab. Add as many hearts as you want. Make a loop on both ends to hang the garland. 

I hope you have as much fun making these paper heart garlands as I do.

Here are some other Valentine crafting projects to check out:

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Jan Howell

Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

Read More