Okay for all of you who live under a rock…(just kidding…I just like that phrase) Yesterday I was over at Tatertots & Jello, hangin’ out with Jen. So amazing. Seriously.
But, in case you thought I ditched you for a new BFF…I have decided to re-post my tutorial here on my own blog. That way we can all see it. And then have a group hug!
Here you go!
Check out this really cute, (I mean REALLY CUTE) and really easy idea for new mommies. (or old mommies…or just people who use wet-wipes. You know. For personal reasons.)
I call it “The Wipes Band”. You can call it whatever you want. Well…don’t call it tacky, or ugly. That’s not nice.
Start with your materials. You’ll need big elastic. I mean BIG. I’m using 3″ thick elastic. It would work with a little thinner. But it does need to be thick. I found this elastic at JoAnns. It’s not expensive.
Then you’ll need your material. If you’re planning on embellishing with material, you’ll need some coordinating colors as well. But we’ll get to that in a minute.
- get a box of wet wipes. Measure loosely around the perimeter. Then cut about 1.5″ – 2″ off that measurement to make sure the elastic will fit tightly. I always use Huggies wipes. That box measurement ends up being 22″.
- You’ll need to cut your fabric double the width of your elastic plus 1.5″ (for seams and fit). So if you’re using the 3″ elastic, you’ll need 7.5″ inches. You want the length to be AT LEAST double your elastic.
- The fast answer is: I used 22″ elastic, and 7.5″ inches material x the entire width of my fabric (45″)
Take the long tube, and pin the sides together so that the “right sides” of the fabric are facing each other. (***do I have to pin it? Well, no, but if you can’t keep it straight, I’d suggest it. No unpicking when you pin to begin with.
Wow. I just turned into my mother!)
Sew along the length with a 1/4″ seam. (re-inforce both ends, just to be safe)
When it’s all done, turn the tube inside out.
Now you need to pull your elastic through your tube. There will be A LOT more fabric than there is elastic. But I’m not opposed to giving the tricks away….
- Put a large safety pin on the end of your elastic. The pin will help you guide your elastic through.
- Once you get the elastic in (just to the opposite end) twist your tube so that the seam is on the top edge of the elastic. Then, go to your sewing machine and sew right along the back edge. Close to the end. Raw edges aren’t a problem. So just sew across. Making sure you catch both sides of the material and the elastic, and that your seam is right at the top.
- Now that your back end is sewed, it can’t pull through. (subsequently making you swear. See how I’m looking our for you?)
- Push all the fabric down until your elastic comes out through the top of the tube. Remove your safety pin.
- Then tuck the raw edges of your tube inside (to finish the edges a little) then sew that side shut. (I like to pin the second end, just to make sure it’s all straight.)
- Once both ends are sewed, you can distribute the gathers so that they’re even.
Pin the two ends together. Overlapping the ends by about a 1/2″. (make sure your “finished” one is on top.
Then sew right down the middle. I usually sew 2 or 3 times, just to make sure that it doesn’t pop when stretched.
Guess what? You’re done. Well, mostly. Now comes the fun part. To cover up the front seam, you can embellish.
Did that say EMBELLISH? Oh yay! (I love this part)
I’ve used ribbon, buttons, ric rac, bling…oh the possibilities are endless. Today I used the ruffled and rolled fabric flowers. Wanna see?
These are just hand sewn on to the front. That seam is just a memory now!!
C’est Fini. (That’s French for…it’s finished. That’s right. I’m classy that way!)
I just love these for quick, and personal, gifts. And sometimes I’ll pair it with a personalized travel wipes case as well. But that’s a lesson for another day, isn’t it?
Hope you all have an amazing weekend. I’m on a little getaway with my fam. (You know, “the Fam?” Please tell me you love “What About Bob” as much as I do!!)
See you on Monday!
****post note: We now have a Facebook Fan Page for Less Cake {more frosting} come over and check it out. I might make funnier jokes over there. (is that even possible??)****
Linking this project to:
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CUTE!! Love this, and I think that I'll be making them soon! You're so creative!
Love this idea, i am looking forward to the travel wipe container too. I love those flowers and I would love to know how to make them, can you direct me please?
Thanks for joining our party this week! LOVE this idea!
you are very funny. and you make this look so easy. one day when i have the courage i'll have to give this a shot, the possibilities and uses are endless, even for just acrylic canisters
This is seriously the cutest project!! I am glad that I have one still in diapers after seeing this! I will have to make one! It will also be a fun shower gift!
Have a great weekend!
Jenn
Super cute! Thanks for sharing!
I need to make one of these for my facial wipes. My babies are now 20, 19 and 15 so no more baby wipes. But we do have a container like that for our facial wipes.
Thanks for sharing this simple and wonderful idea with us! Love it!
gave you an award at my blog!!
kimboscrafts.blogspot.com
This is such a neat idea. I still have wipe containers that are screaming for a makeover! Fabulous job. Thanks so much for joining the Sunday Showcase Party! I greatly apprecite it. Hope you are enjoying your week. ~ Stephanie Lynn
Hey, that might even make me enjoy diaper changes more to see that pretty box! Love the color combos!
Hi Ellie, Just wanted to let you know I'll be featuring your wipes container today! Stop by and grab a featured button if you like. Thanks so much for linking to the Sunday Showcase Party! ~ Stephanie Lynn
What a great idea. I will be doing this for Ms. Hope's room. Thank you so much for posting this tutorial. I had been trying to figure out how to do this.
visiting (and new follower) through Something I whipped Up Monday
~Kimberlee, from http://www.TheSpunkyDiva.blogspot.com
No more babies for me, but I do have wipes in my craft room to clean up my own messes with. So, I will be doing this on the box in there. TFS! Fun idea!
This is so cute! I would love to have one of these for my baby's wipes, but I am not cool enough to pull off making something that creative. So, I think you should just give it to me. No? Well, it was worth a try, wasn't it?
I just Love this idea. So cool. And a great way to cover that UGLY container. I also like that you can reuse or change out easily.
Whoa!!! What a fab idea! And re-usable!
Ellie,
What a darling idea. I am featuring you on my blog danggoodfinds.com to you (tomorrow). Thanks for sharing your ideas!
Cool! Thanks!
Hi Ellie G! I just wanted to let you know I copied this idea {hope that’s ok cause I pretty much am in love with you…in the non-weird way of course} and I linked back to you, so hopefully that will send (even more) traffic your way
. If you have a free sec I’d love if you’d check it out:
Wipes band:
http://loveseweetlove.blogspot.com/2011/05/sweet-tute-tuesday-wipes-band.html
Q-Tips Jar:
http://loveseweetlove.blogspot.com/2011/06/whatever-wednesdayq-tips-jar.html
Thanks so much! Love your blog!
My daughter-in-laws both got “heated” warmers for their baby wipes so this project wouldn’t have worked for them but it works for me! I want one in my bathroom and craft room plus I can see making it for all my friend’s make up containers!