Easy Peasy No-Sew Cord Ruffles

A little bit of DIY crafting that doesn't have anything to do with knitting or crochet.  My boyfriend and I moved into a new apartment in early October 2013.  We decided since this was our first place together we would paint and decorate the way we want while we continue to work on building our house.  We installed a series of track lighting above our breakfast bar and found these beautiful sconces.  The drop downs for the lights had really really long cords - and not being one to dabble in wire splicing and rewiring - I researched some sort of cover - unable to go and purchase one for less than $50 at any local retailers - I used my crafty little brain and created these. . . 

DIY Easy Peasy No-Sew Cord Ruffles

Supplies You'll Need:

-Fabric (I used about 1/2 yard from a 72" bolt)

-Hot Glue Gun

-Rotary Cutter or Scissors

-Ruler

-Dowel or Broomstick

-Cords Needing Covers

-OPTIONAL: The Best Crafting Partner Ever (Pumpkin)

Step #1: Hang lights and sconces - bunch up cords to the length you want the sconces to hang from the ceiling.  (Note: Wrapping the cords too tightly can cause a strong heat source - I used long loops and zip ties - all will be covered by the ruffles).  

Step #2: Measure the widest width of the sconce light insert drop downs (mine measured about 1").  Use a dowel or be creative and find something around the house with the same width.  I taped pencils to either side of my broomstick to make the width about 1/4" greater to allow overlap when gluing the fabric.

Step #3:  Take a measurement from the ceiling to the top of the sconce (the area where the ruffle will go).  Multiply this measurement by 2.5.  I have my sconces at two different heights - my shortest measurement from ceiling to top of sconce was approximately 2' - My shortest ruffles ended up being 5'.  

Step #4: Place dowel or broomstick on fabric (make sure you measure the area where the pencils are taped).  Roll fabric around dowel and measure distance around - I added a little bit extra to this dimension for error - my strips ended up being approximately 3" wide.  This is the approximate measurement to make the long fabric strip to glue - you could also figure out the circumference of the dowel and pencils. . . but I'm not a huge fan of math so I went with this option). 

Step #5: Begin wrapping and gluing strips around the dowel, overlapping the edges of the fabric.  When at the end, slide over the cord and push down to sconce.  The fabric tube will ruffle on its own.  Mine fit snug over the top of the light, however you could use Velcro or leave a space at the top and pull and glue the fabric snugly around the top if yours is loose.

Total Price for Project: $2.00 (I had JoAnn's coupons).

Approximate Time for (4) Ruffles: 2.5 hours

Estimated Savings: Over $100

Enjoy your project and feel free to send along pictures of your finished product.  

Big Bow Hat

Here is perfect "just in time for fall" listing.  This "Big Bow Hat" would be perfect for newborn photos!  This hat is hand knit with soft yarn. The main color is a medium brown and the bow and accent stripe are a sage green. The bow measures approximately 3"W and 1-1/2"H.

I would be more than happy to make this hat in a variety of colors or in additional sizes, please send me a custom order request.

New Etsy Item

Here is the link to my newest item available in my Etsy.com store, Knitting Love 4 U!  My Etsy store also now accepts Etsy gift cards as well as debit and credit cards.  

This adorable "Brain Waves Hat" (Courtesy of Liz McQueen) adds a little bit of pizzazz to my popular seller "NY Giants Crochet Hat". 

Spread the team spirit around the entire family this football season with a customized football beanie for your little one. This listing is for one hat size 12-18 months with the main colors being blue and red. The football is approximately 2" L x 1.5" W. 

I would be (as usual) more than happy to customize this beanie in any team colors.

I hope to add my new favorite creation "AE Inspired Hat" to my store soon.  I will also create a pattern to add as well!  

New Sports Series

I'm re-teaching myself to --double knit-- and thought I would start a series of sport scarves.  Comment with your favorite team and I may add them to the "schedule".

Flower Turtle Cover Up

This unique photo prop is sure to receive many "oohs and ahs" from adoring family members, co-workers, and friends. This turtle has a unique flower shell pattern, with one "full color" flower in the center. 

This particular listing is for one shell and matching "bobble" hat. The main color is a vibrant, but not lime green. The pieces are stitched together with a chocolate brown. The flower on the hat and in the center of the shell is hot pink, and the center is sunshine yellow. 

All yarn is soft - the ends are securely sewn into the fabric to ensure a lasting product.

I would be more than happy to customize this piece for you - please private message me with your specific request(s) and I will set up an order for you. Please see my Etsy shop announcement for current turnover times.  If you would prefer to order directly - rather than through my website, please email at: knittinglove4u.hotmail.com.


Picture used with permission.

Spring Is In The Air

Check out this adorable bumble bee hat this spring. This newborn sized hat is made of a soft, lightweight yarn. This little bumble won't sting you (although they may spit up)! 

This hat is designed for a newborn, however I would be happy to make it in any size. Other sizes available are 1-3 months, 3-6 months, 1-3 years, 4-6 years and 7-10 years. All of my stitches are even and ends are tucked in to the fabric to assure a quality product.

Superbowl XLIV Hats

Check out "Knitting Love 4 U" to see my Superbowl XLIV hats.  These hats are interchangeable for both teams -  however I prefer the NY Giants, so that's the tag I'm using.