Tutorial Tuesday & Linky Party - Lavender Mommy Mask

I can hardly believe it's Tuesday again! But let me tell you, I am excited!
We had so many link ups last week, I can't wait to see what you guys bring this week. :)

Don't forget to enter The Taffy Box Giveaway going on this week through Sunday 3/27!

Click here for more info and to enter!

As for me, today I have a tutorial just for Mommy! I can think of about a bajillion reasons why you need one of these, so start gathering those fabric scraps because this week we're making a...

~ Lavender "Mommy" Mask ~

There are plenty of things we don't know as parents. 

But there's one thing that every mom knows for sure: Sleep is a commodity. 

That being said, we all know we have to take it when we can get it!!

The Lavender Mommy Mask is my way of helping you do just that!

Here's what you need:

- Fabric for front 

{just a scrap will do}

- Fabric for backing 

{there's that $1.99 Wally World washcloth!}

- Ribbon for trim 

{about a yard}

- Coordinating thread

- Rice for filler 

{1-2 cups}

- Lavender for relaxation ;)

- Pattern shape 

{think: kidney bean as big as your face, haha!}

Just a little explanation on my choices:

I chose a $1 Wally World wash cloth for the backing...

1. Because it works well wet {in case you want to use it for hot/cold compress}

2. It's 100% cotton, so it works well in the microwave

I chose rice as filler, instead of poly-fil...

1. Because it forms nicely to your face

2. It's all natural so it works well in the microwave

{haha, see where we're going here?}

I added lavender...

1. Because it smells de-lish!

2. Just to add a little "somethin'", but you can totally do it with just the rice

Ok, enough babble... let's get started!

First cut out 2 face-sized kidney beans from your fabric. 

{one from the front piece and one from the back piece}

Next, cut your ribbon and ruffle it. 

I cut mine twice as long as it would take to wrap around the edge of my kidney pieces. 

{don't forget that ruffles will shorten your ribbon length substantially!}

***

I am so, SO sorry I don't have all the usual pics for the steps, but somehow my SD card ate my photos and I didn't even realize it until I was trying to upload them to Picasa. On a high note, I do have some pics from another one of these I did with poly-fil for a gift that can fill in some gaps.

***

Next, take your ribbon and place it facing inwards on the right side of your front piece. 

Then pin, pin, and pin some more!

{other project... don't love it as much as the pink one, but you get the idea...}

After you get the edge stitched down, unpin, but leave your ribbon folded inward. 

Lay your back piece right side down over the ribbon and right side of the front piece. Pin, pin, pin!

Stitch around the edge, leaving an in opening for turning.

Be careful to stay as close to the edge as possible so you don't sew up your ribbon.

{I used a zig-zag stitch for this step.}

Now, carefully turn right side out.

I also ironed mine flat once it was turned so that my ruffles would look right.

Slowly fill with rice and as much lavender as you'd like. 

I used about a 4:1 rice to lavender ratio. 

Mine is still a little floppy so it lays comfortably across my face.

Finally, hand stitch closed the turning opening and enjoy!

{I seriously almost didn't get up after this photo, haha!}

Now it's your turn!

<a href="http://littlebirdiebaby.blogspot.com/"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjybpWehEcQYkr_bcTNwQtjMs-pSV-lbAnKMq0wQAbpkfm8Vn6I1fmUjYtVvzwqfTuazi67qG1Z7SWKRWPfgV3kkRVaYGnhKP7LJ0txiH6AQQj2x8KUcYdEuPtOudXo4oDmxEdFyxqjJ7RO/s144/Tute%20Tues%20LB.png" height="144" width="144" /></a>

Link up your projects below and grab a button!

I'll pick my favorite 5 to showcase on Saturday!

I can't wait to see what you guys have been working on!!

XOXO