Pioneer Trek Week - 15 Minute Pioneer Shirt

Today I want to show you how to make a simple pioneer shirt.  For more information on why I am making a Trek shirt and dressing like a pioneer, click here!

I originally found a tutorial for this in some random place online, but it wasn't a website so I couldn't pin it.  I redid this tutorial, tweaked it and made it my own, but the link to the original is here.  

To start, you need a button down shirt in 1 size larger than you normally wear.  I bought mine at the Goodwill for $2.  Plaids, stripes and solids are all good choices.

Step 1:  Measure down 12 inches from the collar and cut through placket.  (The placket is the part of the shirt with button holes.)

Step 2:  Turn shirt inside out.  Place buttons and placket right sides together, and pin.

Step 3:  Stitch together at edge of placket from bottom of shirt to the cut.

Step 4:  Press seam.

Step 5: Turn shirt right side out again.  Button up the shirt.  Tuck cut edge of the placket under and pin in place at the seam.

Step 6:  Sew a square and and "x" for reinforcement.

Step 7:  Cut off the collar just above the band.  Since it is stitched right there, it won't fray.

That's it!  Your Pioneer Trek shirt is now complete!

And as a side note, this shirt is actually for me.  But my husband was a good sport and modeled it for me.  lol!  And it IS turquoise, not light blue as it appears here.  I figure if I have to be dirty, sleep with no pillow and not wear makeup, at least I can wear some fun colors, right?

Linked today at:  Not Just a Housewife, Tater Tots and Jello, Creative Itch, Funky Polka Dot Giraffe, Mommy by Day, Sugar Bee, Hope Studios, Home Stories A to Z, Vintage Wanna Bee, Lil Luna, Ginger Snap, Rae Gun Ramblings, Junk in their Trunk, Creations by Kara

Pioneer Trek Week (Flag idea)

A couple of months ago my husband got a phone call.  He was asked if he and I would be willing to act as a "Ma and Pa" on our Stake Pioneer Trek.

If you aren't familiar with Trek, it's a a conference for youth 14 - 18 years old consisting of a few days of hiking.  Major Hiking.  Like 30 miles of Hiking.  Dressed like pioneers, pushing handcarts, learning about our ancestors, and gaining a stronger relationship with God in the process.

A "ma and pa" get to be in charge of a handcart and a family of 10 - 12 youth.

Whew!  I am tired just thinking about it.  And he said yes.  Eeesh.  Truth be know, I have always wanted to do one of these Treks!  So I was pretending to be put out a bit, but inside I was giddy.

We were asked to make a flag to display on our handcart, and I wanted to start off my pioneer week with a picture of my flag.  I looked around on the internet and didn't have much luck looking for ideas.  Maybe this will help someone out there?

The point of the flag is to be able to locate your family easily.  This said BRIGHT! to me.

First, I had some red outdoor fabric.  But I melted it trying to iron out the wrinkles.  oops.
So I found this bright orange bandana-ish fabric and decided it was perfect!  I simply sewed the fabric together, right sides in, leaving one side unsewn.  I flipped it and ironed it (without melting it!)

Next, I cut out a stencil of my name and a covered wagon out of freezer paper.  I ironed it on the fabric.  I added some fabric medium to my acrylic paint and painted the stencil.  Easy peasy.
For the back side, I used the opposite part of the stencil.

After it was dry, I folded the unfinished edge in and sewed it shut.  Then I top stitched.
But, Doh!  I forgot to leave enough fabric to hang on the wood.  So I used some coordinating ribbon and sewed it to the flag.  I threaded the wood through, and tacked in in place.

And see this piece of wood they gave us?  We used the vinegar and steel wool method of aging wood to make it look older.

So, are any of you going to trek this summer?  If so, stay tuned!  I am going to have some fun tutorials this week.  We will make a bonnet, turn a goodwill find into a pioneer shirt, etc!

Gatorade (Thirst for knowledge) - Teacher App Week

Thanks for quenching my thirst for knowledge

I know, I know. Super cheesy.  But still cute, right?

O"fish"ally the best! - Teacher Appreciation gift

Today's Teacher Appreciation treat was from Eighteen 25.  I bought some Swedish Fish and wrapped them all up.  Now, each package of fish is like $1.59 at Target!  Eesh!  So I bought a large pack for around $2.50 and divided it up into cupcake wrappers.

Then, being me and not having any cute cellophane, I wrapped it with Saran Wrap.  Yes, I know I am a dork.  So I added the ribbon and note.

BLOW me away - Teacher App week

Today's teacher appreciation gift was super easy, once again.  I got the idea from Landee.  Her's is so cute, full of gumballs. I just don't like gumballs, personally.  Full of sugar.  So we used regular packs of gum.  More specifically, the Trident Layers.  A family favorite!

 Simply wrapped with a cute saying.  Our teachers really do blow us away!

The Berry Best! - Teacher App week

Today's Teacher Appreciation gift was so hard to make because the kids kept stealing them and eating them!  

It's strawberry season here - you can find them anywhere and everywhere for super cheap!  I had a bunch in my fridge, making this another present I didn't have to go to the store for!   

All I did was melt some chocolate chips in the microwave and dip the strawberries.  We let them dry on wax paper, and packaged them in some disposable containers.  I used some Target washi tape to make it look a little prettier.

I saw some super cute {free} printables at: TaterTots and Jello and Eighteen25 that would be perfect for this!  (I, however, don't have a color printer.  So sad.)

Smart Cookie! - Teacher App. week

Are you ever the type who Sunday night is wondering what to do for teacher appreciation?  The sad thing is I had all kinds of fun things pinned to do.  Where does the time go?

Anyway, I wanted to do a treat a day, but try not to shop on Sunday.  This is what I came up with using items around the house.

A few homemade cookies in a bag with a tag that says. "Thanks for making me such a smart cookie."

Hopefully I get the rest of the week completed tonight!  I'll let you know what I come up with.