DIY Neon Striped Infinity Scarf {Tutorial}

Infinity scarves. They're everywhere. And I've been dying to wear one. But I refused to buy one, because I knew I could easily make one myself for much cheaper. So I put it on my to-do list and there it sat. When I finally got around to purchasing fabric for this project, I realized my mom's birthday was just two days away and I still hadn't gotten her a gift. {I blame mommy brain} So, I purchased a lovely linen-blend fabric that I knew she would love and whipped up my first infinity scarf. She loved it. So back to the store I went, this time for my MIL. {unlucky me--their birthdays are only 10 days apart} She loved her scarf as well {although since she's not on Pinterest I did have to show her how to wear it...}. So finally, I decided it was my turn. Back to the store I went, potty-training tot and little sister in tow. After a potty-training snafu, a mess of cheddar cheese crackers crunched up on the floor, a screaming, hungry baby girl, breastfeeding in the parking lot and sweating like a pig, I had my material and I headed for home. {Note to future potty training parents: even if you think there will be a working semi-decent public restroom at your destination, it's probably best to bring along your potty for times when the sewer lines are backed up and said restroom is unavailable and retail associates are less than happy to help a mom in distress...}

I decided to use a jersey knit material for a lightweight scarf I can wear year round. The linen-blend that I used for my first two scarves also makes a really nice lightweight and pliable scarf. Either way, you'll need two 1/3-yard pieces of fabric {or 2/3 yard of one fabric}. I cut each 1/3 yard piece of fabric right down the center into two 12-inch pieces of fabric. So you'll end up with four strips of fabric, each roughly 6 inches wide. {Precision doesn't really matter with this project. You'll never see a crooked seam. Promise.}

{This was my lovely assistant for this project. Isn't she gorgeous? I'd recommend a drooling, sedentary, quick-to-smile assistant for your project too!}

With right sides facing in, stitch the two pieces of the same fabric together using roughly a 1/2" seam allowance. Repeat this step with the other two pieces of fabric.

Now you need to pin the two pieces of fabric together. I like to start at the seams and work out to each end, because you will see a mismatched seam. So, with right sides facing in, match seams and pin. From the seam, pin both sides until you reach the end of the fabric.

Don't worry if your ends are uneven. You can just cut the extra fabric to even them up later.

Once you have your scarf pinned, it's time to sew it together. Using about 1/4" seam, stitch around three sides of the scarf, leaving a short end open. {stitch right over the center seams, flattening as you go}

Note: if you're using a jersey knit material, make sure you turn your tension down or else you'll end up with a  bunched seam.

After you've stitched around three sides, turn your scarf right side out, making sure to poke out the corners with a chopstick or other similar tool. Turn down the open edges to make about a 1/2" seam. Iron if necessary. {I was in such a hurry, I skipped this step} Tuck the finished end inside of the open end and pin. If you are using a patterned material, try to match it up. Stitch closed using a 1/2" seam. Stitch the scarf again using a 1/8-1/4" seam. So you'll end up with a seam that looks like this:

And there you have it. An easy, cheap and fun infinity scarf! I think I'll be making quite a few more of these to accessorize my Spring and Summer wardrobes!

{nevermind the potty in the background!}

What about you?

Mad or Genius?

Today is Day #2 in our potty training adventures. Whether I'm completely mad or bordering on genius, the fact is I've decided to take on the challenge of potty training my 20-month-old son. And if you ask me how I feel now halfway into Day #2, I'll tell you that I'm exhausted and proud and decidedly meditating on only the very most present moments in time. Because it doesn't matter how we'll ever figure out naptime or bedtime. It only matters that right now, in our home, my son has begun taking on this new responsibility. And he's doing so well!

So many people have asked why we're doing it so early. He is a boy, after all. And still not even two years old. The truth is, most days, I forget that he's still only 20 months old because he talks to me like a much older child. He understands what I ask, what I say and he responds appropriately on every occasion. He is such a bright child, I often have to take some time to figure out the connection his brilliant mind has made {and mine, clearly, has not} in order to understand what he is trying to tell me.

On top of that, he has never allowed me to baby him. My firstborn child. He should have been my experiment. The child on which I broke all of the rules and had to spend the next few years trying to correct. But thankfully {in hindsight} he never let me make any of those mistakes. He refused to sleep in our bed the few times we tried. He doesn't want to be rocked to sleep. In fact, he demands to go "night night", which means we put him in his crib with no more than a kiss. He wants to do everything we do and knows the difference between fake and real. He loves when my husband pretends to shave his face, but now has decided that it is not sufficient unless the razor is on and buzzing away. {This, obviously, makes it quite tricky!} He doesn't like to be given food when he can get it himself. He's incredibly independent and highly self-motivated. He doesn't need our approval. He doesn't want a treat. He has such a beautiful confidence in himself and that is quite enough for him.

So naturally, going on the potty was something he wanted to do and did well from the start. We started sitting him on the potty before his bath a few months ago. He derived such pride and pleasure from this new adventure that we began trying it more often. And nearly every time, he'd find himself successful.

 I didn't want to push him, but I felt like he was ready. So I decided to give it a shot. If he refused, I wouldn't push him. I'd simply try again in a month or so. But to our delight, he has {so far} taken to this new responsibility so naturally! Since we only have a bathroom on our second floor, we placed his little frog potty in our kitchen. {It's located in the corner in which he usually hides to do his business...perfect!} Every time he has to pee, he either runs over to the potty or tells me. And each time he goes, he hops up and exclaims "Did it!" Sometimes he'll also congratulate himself by saying "Good boy!" We give him a High-5 and he's back to playing.

While we still have a long road {and many accidents} ahead of us, I am so proud of him for taking on this responsibility so well. The thing is, it's not an easy job. And it's definitely a full time job. Last night, I'll admit I had a moment where I regretted doing it so early--it's just easier to throw a diaper on and not worry about it. {I think it was the thought of having to use every public restroom we pass...} But once we're through it, I know I'll be so happy. So relieved. And I'll forget all about the challenge that it was...until it's little sister's turn, of course!

When did you potty train your children? How did you decide they were ready for the challenge? Any tips and/or tricks to make the experience easier?