Towel Bar Ruffle and Tiebacks

I recently added a new cabinet to my bathroom. The only place for it was under the towel rack. I didn't want to remove the rack, fill the screw holes, and paint so hence the creation of the towel bar ruffle. I also made tiebacks for the curtains in the same fabric. The following photos show the finished projects.

Instructions for Towel Bar Ruffle:

I used 42" wide fabric. The inside measurement of my towel rack is 21" long.

Note: Use the diagram below as a guide.

Step 1-Cut one strip 10-1/2" by width of fabric (selvedge to selvedge). Trim selvedges off.

Step 2-Hem short ends by turning 1/2" to the wrong side twice. Press flat.

Step 3-Fold piece in half legthwise right sides together to create a long tube. Using a 1/4" seam allowance sew the long raw edges together.

Step 4-Turn right side out. Keeping the seam to one side press the tube flat. (You don't want the seam in the middle).

Step 5-Measure and mark 1-5/8" from top and bottom fold. Stitch across the tube at these measurements. These stitching lines make the center rod pocket.

Tieback instructions:

Step 1:Cut one strip 5-1/4" by width of fabric. Trim selvedges off. Cut piece in half crosswise for two pieces approximately 5-1/4" x 21".

Repeat steps 2 through 4 from the Towel Bar Ruffle instructions. Note: I used the blunt end of a knitting needle to turn the tiebacks right side out.

I had so much fun with this as it's a quick project. Wouldn't it be fun to make these in holiday fabrics? A set for Christmas or Holloween, etc?

By the way. This wasn't the only towel bar in my bathroom but if it were I might be tempted to add another one just to be able to decorate it.

Hoping you have fun with this idea.

Happy sewing,

Joan



Quiltmaker's 100 Block Blog Tour

Vol 3 will be on the magazine stands by May 10th. I'm excited and pleased to share my block "Crosstrack" with you. It's #257 on page 54 of the magazine.

Following are some ideas on how to use this block. To make a placemat just add a border to each side of a block. It might be fun to try it in holiday fabrics.

To make a runner sew three blocks together. Adding a border is another option.

This is what it looks like as a quilt. For the desired size just keep adding blocks. Be creative and have fun with it. I just thought of another idea. Why not use kids novelty fabric for that special little one.

Now for the Giveaway contest. To have a chance at winning a copy of the 100 Blocks magazine leave a comment at the bottom of this post. A winner will be drawn on the morning of May 7th. Be sure to include your name and email address. If your not comfortable showing the information here just post a comment below and send your name and email address to me at jaybeehive@yahoo.com I will not share this info with anyone other than Quiltmaker if your the winner. To follow the blog tour and sign up with the other participating designers and more giveaways visit www.quiltmaker.com/100blocks.html 

For unique southwestern and country patterns, plus more, explore my web site at www.quiltersfun.com
Cheers,
Joan

Update on my Quilting Adventure

My "Nine Patch In Bloom" placemat pattern, shown above, has been published in the May issue of The Quilt Pattern Magazine. To my surprise I made the cover.

 

I don't usually tout a magazine but I wanted to share this one with you for the following reasons.



This is my first experience with a down loadable subscription. I've really enjoyed the fact that I can print what interests me and ignore what doesn't. The other thing that appealed to me is they publish a magazine every month for $13.99 a year. Can't beat it. If you would like more information go to the magazines web site at www.quiltpatternmagazine.com
Thanks for visiting.
Joan