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Omaha Magazine

Wrapping Things Up

Apr 04, 2016 03:00PM ● By Kristen Hoffman

There was a running joke at my baby shower in mid-February that my favorite color is “boring,” and that I was not “fun” to shop for because I had the most minimal registry my family had ever seen. This is true, and I’m not apologizing for it.

Registries across the Internet give you these long checklists, telling you that you need everything from wipe warmers to shopping cart covers. I’m aware that I don’t actually need most of these things, so I registered for functional items in clean, neutral colors…I know. No fun.

My struggle between “want” and “need” is usually caught up in online browsing. Vendors featured on sites like Etsy provide myriad artisanal items that I desire far more than the manufactured items you can find in big-box stores.

The fun challenge with these handmade items is that many are just that…handmade. Although I would love to be able to financially support every maker that I admire on the Internet, it’s the shipping costs that really get me! So, rather than explaining frivolous charges on our credit card to my husband, I usually resort to attempting to make these items myself. Luckily, these head wraps turned out to be a pretty easy attempt. I love that they are stretchy and soft, but not too girly or obtrusive. The best part? The whole batch of them cost me less than $10.

What you'll need:

  1. Stretchy fabric (preferably jersey-knit)
  2. Scissors
  3. Measuring tape
  4. Sewing machine or needle and thread

Directions

  1. Measure the circumference of your little one’s head. Add anywhere from 4-6 inches to this number to determine the length of your headband. I created multiple lengths to be able to accommodate a growing baby. Mine ranged anywhere from 24 to 30 inches.
  2. I would suggest the width of your band to be anywhere from two to three inches. When cutting the strip, double this number to account for the front and the back of the band.
  3. Fold the strip onto itself and cut the ends at a 45 degree angle.
  4. Sew the open sides together, leaving an opening in the center about 3 inches wide. I suggest using a zig-zag stitch to make sure that the fabric can stretch without breaking the thread.
  5. Flip the wrap right side out by pulling both ends of the fabric through the 3-inch hole.
  6. Hand-stitch the hole shut, press with an iron, and you are ready to tie that baby around your baby’s head!

Editor's Note:  Kristen says, "Thank you for keeping up with my DIY column over the last year or so. This project will be “wrapping up” this column for the time being."  We at Omaha Publications are pleased to announce that Kristen and her husband, Josh, welcomed a healthy baby girl, Roselyn, into the world on March 14.

Kristen Hoffman

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