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Guest Post: Embroidered Growth Chart

Today’s guest post is from Emily of The Student/Teacher. I came across her blog when she commented on a post and I saw this wonderful felt and fabric memory game that she made for her kids. I asked her if she would do a guest post for The Long Thread, and happily, she agreed! Emily has made this lovely growth chart for her daughter that is sure to become a cherished family heirloom. I know you’ll enjoy this project.

I love this photo of her daughter looking up at how tall she’ll become. It makes me have an “Oh, how quickly they grow” moment. Thanks for sharing this special project, Emily!

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Hello! I’m Emily from The Student/Teacher. I am a writer, crafter, and unschooler living near Washington, D.C. with my husband and our two young daughters. My blog is a journal of love and learning, a place to celebrate childhood and creativity. I use it as a space to discuss alternative education and to share the exciting crafts, projects, and activities that fill our busy days. As far as crafting goes, I am mainly a sewist. Quilts are my current favorite thing to make, but I love sewing clothes, accessories, and home decor, too. (You can read more about me and my blog on my About page.)

I am thrilled to share my tutorial for an Embroidered Growth Chart here on The Long Thread. This project is simply a long, narrow wall quilt designed to be a stylized version of a traditional children’s growth chart. Each patchwork square in the left-hand column of the quilt is one inch long, so these colorful bits serve as pretty stand-ins for numbers. Additionally, the horizontal rows of machine-stitched quilting that cascade down the quilt’s length serve as built-in straightedges; as your child grows, you will embroider his or her ever-changing height measurements along these lines, effectively capturing special moments in time for your family. Click here for the full tutorial!

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…and more baby stuff.

Here are some odds and ends that I’ve got from around the web. Gigi has helped me update yesterday’s post of baby sewing tutorials, so you can see the new ones on the list here.

I love this book themed baby shower featured in Martha Stewart this month with the adorable book garland shown above.

And Jennifer Cooke of Raeburn Ink led an Etsy Lab a few weeks ago featuring this modern take on freezer paper stenciling. A simple and easy way to embellish a onesie for a baby gift.

And here is a great list baby tutorials from Sew, Mama, Sew! While you are there, be sure to look at this round-up from Shannon of Luv in the Mommyhood, which features this baby block tutorial from Smile and Wave (pictured above).

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Wedding Napkin Flowers Tutorial

Happy Friday! Here’s another wedding-themed guest post from the fabulous, creative and very busy Dana of Made. Her blog is always filled with great DIY projects and beautiful photos with clear instructions. Visit her site for the full instructions and more photos of these pretty napkin flowers.

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Hello friends, I’m Dana from the site MADE, a spot for creative eye candy and DIY inspiration. I’m happy to pop in here today with a simple wedding-inspired idea–Napkin Flowers.

For years I’ve admired paper-made flowers….you know, the Martha Stewart kind that are absolutely amazing, look like they’re real flowers, and make you scratch your head wondering, “who has time to make paper flowers for an entire wedding??!” Seriously. Well, with this simple version you just might keep your sanity (and pennies!…for other important matters, like a tropical honeymoon).


The concept is nothing new. These are the same tissue paper flowers you made in 2nd grade for Cinco De Mayo and Mother’s Day. BUT….when made from party napkins, the flowers take on a life-like form with classy flair. The stiff petals are bendable and easily shaped into gorgeous flowers. Too bad I wasn’t a crafter 8 years ago. My mother would have loved it if our floral budget called for 10 packages of napkins and wooden dowels.

Use the flowers as centerpieces for the tables, cut the napkins into small petals to sprinkle along the wedding walk. Turn them into party favors for the guests, and make sure your man is decked out in napkins as well.

Handmade doesn’t need to look cheap, though it can be cheap! Head over to MADE for the complete Wedding Napkin Flowers Tutorial.

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Linen and Lace Table Runner Tutorial

Here’s another guest post, this time from Melanie of A Sewing Journal. Melanie previously owned Modern Organic Fabrics, which I loved, but I’m excited that she’s started this blog — it’s one of my favorites!

Melanie has put together a tutorial for this lovely linen and lace table runner, that would make a beautiful accent for a wedding, or really for any occasion. Head over to her blog for the full project instructions.

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Hi there, I’m Melanie and A Sewing Journal is where I share lovely, fresh and inspiring sewing projects. I update A Sewing Journal daily and feature a selection of fabric that I love and sewing projects from quilts to clothing to home décor along with sewing pattern reviews, tutorials and more. I hope to inspire you with a look at creative projects and talented people from around the world. I am also the mother of three lovely and energetic girls.

My contribution to wedding week is this fairly easy Linen and Lace Table Runner. I imagine this being used in outdoor garden-type weddings and more!

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handMAYde

Each week this month I’ll be featuring ways to incorporate handmade projects into your life. This week it’s all about weddings! And not the royal kind. So whether you’re getting married soon or just looking for party ideas, I’ll be sharing tutorials, hosting guest bloggers and giveaways, and linking to wedding ideas all week long. I may even dig out my wedding album (husband gasps).

Incorporating handmade ideas into your wedding can sometimes save you money, but I think more importantly, it adds meaning to your special day. Today my resourceful intern Gigi has helped compile this list of ideas and inspiration. Enjoy!

  1. Colorful Paper Mobiles from Project Wedding.*
  2. Lace Photo Backdrop from Martha Stewart.
  3. PomPom Vines from Once Wed.
  4. Fabric Flower Garland from Once Wed.
  5. Succulent Wreath from Prudent Baby.*
  6. Lace Votives from Martha Stewart.*
  7. Mason Jar Lanterns from Intimate Weddings.
  8. Wedding Wands from One Stylish Bride.
  9. Cupcake in a Jar from Cakies.*
  10. Bride and Groom Cake Topper, excerpt from Handmade Weddings for My DIY Wedding Day.
  11. Wedding Menu Wheel from Design Sponge.
  12. Make Your Wedding Cake from Project Wedding.
  13. Birdcage Veil from Project Wedding.
  14. Rubber Stamp Carving Tutorial from Geninne’s Art Blog.
  15. Watercolor Tags from Project Wedding.*
  16. Watercolor Wedding Invitations from Once Wed.
  17. Printable Seed Packets from Vale Design.
  18. Yo-Yo Decor Ideas from Emmaline Bride.*
  19. Cake Pop Wedding Favors from Bakerella for Etsy’s The Storque.
  20. How to Make a Boutonniere from The Knot.

Feel free to share more ideas and links of your own wedding photos in the comments below. And stay tuned! Next week I’ll be doing a round-up of divorce crafts (kidding). Baby projects, of course!

*pictured above.