The academic year puts a major crimp in my holiday spirit. This is finals week and I've got piles of grading, so my decorating is minimal, and most of my shopping is done by ordering on line. What did I ever do in the days before Amazon.com?But I also managed to make some dish towels to give as gifts with jars of the jam I made this year.
You probably don't need a tutorial, but cut some cute fabric into 5 inch strips the width of a purchased dish towel. Sew a length of rick rack on the right side of one or both long edges.
Press the hem back so that half of the rick rack shows on the front side. Pin this panel 4 inches or so from the hem of a purchased dishtowel. Fold the short edges under so that the panel is even with the sides of the towel and top stitch it down on all sides. Here are some examples of what I made:
Isn't this cowboy fabric cute?
...And food prints are fun.
I think this Chinese print looks nice on these black and white towels.
I made these towels from yardage, which I later decided was too much work. The dish rag, however, is a very fast project. Cut a 9.5" square and apply a fabric binding just like you would for a quilt.
I made these 4 this morning in an hour before I had to leave for work.
There's no rest for the wicked.
13 comments:
Terrific choices of fabric. Those are going to be appreciated.
The academic year makes Christmas doubley stressful. Good luck.
Cute towels!
I'm heading out today to round up some towels for Brent and Laura. Theirs will probably have skulls!
I hope you get to rest up during the holidays.
ooooh! these are great! Those lovely fabrics sure perk up the towels!!
Oh, how cute are those. And I DO need a tutorial, for I would have no idea how to go about it. Even if I had the idea in the first place...
What a cute idea for dish towels. I may have to try that out. Thanks for sharing.
Personally, I really like the tutorial...I never thought to do this before -- it really perks up the towels.
And these bigger pictures really perk me up too!
Sorry about the grading == happens at the wrong time, eh? But jam and a towel sounds like a really nice gift...I just have to figure out the jam part...maybe next year.
What a cute idea, Barbara. I'm going to remember this one! Thanks! Finals week is a stressful one; I hope you get a nice long break between quarters.
What a thoughtful and fun gift!
I'm behind on the Christmas decorating, too...I've hung a wreath on our door and that is IT!
This week-end I hope to make amends...
A really great gift idea Barb! And such a little bit of materials to have such a custom looking outcome. My hats off to you!! Again *VBS* Happy Holiday hugs, Finn
These are great Barbara...
Wow! What great little crafty gifts! I actually appreciate the tutorial; thank you for that :- )
What a great idea to jazz up purchased tea towels. You have some gems here.
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