Go-to Book

Todays Mistletoe Make and Bake
designers of the day are:
ME – You are here.

Todays topic is…
What is your Go-To Holiday book?
I have made my own Go-To Book. Now I know there are all kinds of great writers, artists and designers out there. Pick one? I just couldn’t do it. Maybe it is the middle child in me.
Make my own book? I have notebooks full of decorating ideas for the holidays. You may remember that yesterday’s post was Holiday Sanity Savers. This notebook is definetely not a sanity saver because there is no way my home would ever look like the pages out of a magazine. Someday, I may be able to twitch my nose and make it happen but until then I will enjoy using the pages as design inspiration.
I am not worried about anyone knocking on my door to publish my work of art.

I have notebooks for all kinds of topics, yet my favorites are Christmas and Fourth of July.

I have a book of articles about people. Some I know and consider my friends, some I hope to someday meet.
A book of gardening ideas for when my thumb finally turns green.
A book of quilting ideas.
A book of baby (grandbaby?) ideas.

I hope I have inspired you to make your own Go-To book.
Supply List: Large 3 ring binder.
(I use the kind with locking rings so the notebook doesn’t accidentally come open and the pages spill everywhere.)
Sheet protectors
Favorite pages from all your magazines 
Pages from the pile of mail order catalogs such as Pottery Barn, Garnet Hill, Anthropologie, 
and many, many more.
Today is my turn to share a holiday project idea. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did making it.
Girl Scout Scarf
8.5″ x 60″
A girl scout is always prepared. This scarf is full of hidden pockets and sections to hide just about anything.

I picked out with the back of the scarf first. I really wanted to use the Oliver + S interlock, so the scarf would drape nicely. This fabric determined the length of the scarf, approx 60″.  I choose assorted prints at least 9″ wide.  I decided to challenge myself on this project and try some new techniques.

ZIPPERS: Yikes, egads! I haven’t done a zipper since I flunked my sewing project in 5th grade. Due to the great tutorials and Terry Atkinson’s colorful zippers I decided to make zipper pockets.
I added a bit of embroidery because I love the look but rarely sit still long enough to do any.
I used different feet on my machine and gave my #37 quilters’ foot a rest.
(feet used but you do not have to have them to make this project-Zipper foot on the zippers and walking foot for joining the interlock back to the pieced front.)
Supply List:
Backing 9″ x 60″ (backing can vary depending on the size of the person and the type of fabric.After making this one I think 6-7″wide is ample.)
Assorted fabrics for front
Additional items to personalize your scarf such as zippers, trims, medallions, floss.
Zipper Tutorials:
the pictures below are from the orphan block scarf shown below

Step1: Zipper and fabric right sides together.
Step 2: Add lining fabric right side together making a zipper sandwich.
Step 3: Sew along the edge of the fabric and zipper. Your piece will look like step 3.
Step 4: Fold the fabrics back wrong sides together and top stitch.

Repeat steps 1-4 on the other side of the zipper. Completed section shown above.
Once the zipper sections are completed, decide where you want the zipper pockets on your scarf. Continue joining fabrics together to make a 60″ long strip. Add assorted trims between fabrics paying close attention to placement on the scarf.

Do not add “things” to the middle section of the scarf. This area will be around the back of the neck and not seen. Add embroidery if needed.

Join the back to the front, right sides together, pinning sections in place.

Before sewing the scarf together, unzip one of the pocket sections half way. Sew the scarf all the way around the four sides. Trim the four corners to have nice sharp corners when the scarf is turned right side out. Use the opening at the zipper pocket to turn the scarf right side out. No hand work to close any openings.

Press the scarf. Top stitch above each of the zipper sections to create a pocket.
Ta Da! Just the perfect scarf to hold a spare key, cash, drivers license, chapstick, etc.
Additional ideas to Personalize your scarf:
1. Add pieces of repurposed clothes. I added the button placket from my son’s shirt making an additional pocket. (I love buttons but did not want to tackle buttonholes) This scarf is for his girlfriend. It will come in very handy next time he locks his keys in his car after a concert in the rain. Maybe I should go ahead and put a spare key in one of the pockets!

2. Add fringe made from interlock.
Keep in mind the size of the person you are making the scarf for so the added fringe will not make the scarf too long.
Cut an interlock section 9″ wide by 12″ long. Fold in half and sew along the 9″ side to hold in place. Mark every inch, sew from the bottom fold up 6″ on each of the markings. Cut  1/2″ from the sewn lines. Wet and toss in the dryer to fray the fringe. Size of fringe can vary according to what size you cut this section.

3. Monogram initials.
4. Add a loop and a covered button to roll the scarf into a handy take along.

This was FUN to do using the brad/button maker. This item should be on everyones’ Christmas list. (Stock # 001309 suggested retail $29.99)  It is on my list, I borrowed this one from Ducky. The package says (WARNING: Making custom brads and buttons has been shown to become addicting.)
Watch the tutorial on how easy and cool this tool is to use.

 

5. Sew with unusual fabrics such as snuggles, old sweaters, sweatshirts, and school t-shirts.
6. Tuck a gift card in the pockets to surprise the recipent.
7. Use orphan quilt blocks for scarf sections. I wanted to use BLISS flannel for the back of the scarf so, once again I started with the back to determine the scarf. This one is 43″long.
For printable directions, please CLICK HERE.
Leave a comment on my post today to win a chance at this adorable “cookie bag” of moda fabric. I will draw the yummy name and post the winner tomorrow morning.
Please make sure if you leave a comment that I have a way of getting
a hold of you if your name is drawn.

223 comments

  1. michelle says:

    Oh my, a kindred spirit!!! I love Moda fabrics also…I can never get enough–I am drawn to the in the shops (my friends even tease me about this little addiction). I am so happy to see your inspiration book…I also have one along those lines and love to spend time flipping through it and dreaming (because my house will never actually look that good and a lot of those projects will have to happen "later") but I love having all those ideas in one spot. Soooo inspirational!! Thank you for the great scarf pattern…that is awesome!! How fantastic that it has secret pockets (I am thinking my fabric sample cards will fit in there nicely for when I am hitting the quilt shop for backings/bindings!!!) Too cool!! THANKS for sharing something new and different–it is fabulous!! mhardey@ymail.com

  2. Linda says:

    What an interesting scarf project….thanks! Love the name! I'm starting to make notebooks also – going through lots of page protectors! Would love to win the cookie bag….great giveaway!

  3. Pam says:

    Your scrapbooks of creative ideas look quite familiar! I have two just on the quilts I will someday make! My mom always had one at the ready when she and dad would finally be able to build the home of their dreams. Unfortunately, they never did. Thanks for your great ideas. (Moda fabrics are terrific!)

  8. Lisa says:

    That scarf is genius! Love it, so smart with its hiding places and gorgeous while toasty warm. The idea book is something long overdue for me. Excellent timing since I will tidy my sewing space this weekend. Thank you. ~~Lisa

  18. Helen says:

    I love this scarf and the button to fasten it when it's rolled up is inspired – no longer will my scarf unravel and wrap itself around the contents of my handbag!!

    Thanks for the chance to win some gorgeous fabric!

  20. Beverley says:

    Great scarf project! I have lots and lots of pictures and articles that I have collected over the years with the intention of putting my "treasures" in a notebook so that I could look through the ideas with ease. You have inspired me to "get started!

  27. Karen says:

    What a cute scarf. It looks like a lot of fun to make. You make zippers look so easy, I don't know why I find them scary. I will have to give it a try. I do the same as you and have notebooks filled with my favorite things that I see in my cooking and quilt magazines. It's a lot of fun going thru them seeing all the fun things that I cut out. Thanks for the fun pattern, and please pick me, it's my birthday today. Happy Holidays, Karen M
    kmargritz@google.com

  33. Barb says:

    I always worried about my purse when out dancing! It was safe as long as someone was at our table, but there were always songs when everyone danced. Dancing with a purse is awkward. This idea solves the problem. Make the scarf out of glitzy fabrics, and one's ID, money, compact and lipstick are stylishly secure! Thanks

  40. Kaye M says:

    Scarves are so popular now so this would make a great gift. I have a notebook of sewing and quilting ideas but never thought of making one about Christmas ideas–you are so clever!! Thanks for being part of this fun blog hop.

  50. mascanlon says:

    I love both ideas here today Lissa, the scarf is so clever! And there is still time really…I think! And although I have folders of magazine articles, photos etc just going that one step further makes it all so much more accessible! thanks!
    mascanlon49 at hotmail.com

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