Head Bling tutorial ...and A Swimmer Is Born

Hey... sorry for the brief absence.  I haven't posted anything in a few days because I haven't been running... so I haven't had anything to post about.

Why no running?  Well, my knee is acting like a spoiled brat, screaming at me all the time and forcing me to give it attention even when I don't want to.  Seriously, I think it might be a case of tendonitis.  And I don't really know what to do about it other than rest, ice, compress, elevate.  I'm a RICEr, ya'll.

But, you see, I've got a half marathon to run on Sunday, and you know I'm not going to skip out on that fun just because my knee is rebelling, so I've been trying to clock some workout time in the pool.  Meghan coached me through my first swim session on Monday, and I've been back in the pool every day since.  Needless to say, I think I found my next fitness obsession.

Denunzio pool.  Nice digs.

Meghan even got me outfitted with a swim cap and some fancy goggles.

Move over, Phelps.

In other news, I busted out the sewing machine again so I could make a couple more Head Bling headbands for me and Meghan.  And this time I decided to take some pictures so that I could write up a little tutorial for all of you who requested a How-to guide.  Here's hoping these instructions make sense.

How to make a head band that won't slip--AKA the DIY project of the century.

Step One:

Obtain the following materials:

• 16 inch long piece of colorful, fun ribbon
• 16 inch long piece of velvet ribbon (make sure it's the same thickness as the colorful ribbon, I use 7/8")
• 5 inch long piece of 3/8" elastic

 Step Two:

Lay the two pieces of ribbon on top of one another, back to back.  And at one end of this double strip fold the ends of each ribbon inward.  Also, ignore my confusing description and just do what I show in this picture:

Then take your elastic piece and insert one end of it in between the folded ribbon ends.

 

Being careful to not shift the alignment of the ribbons and the folded ends, run a stitch through this to secure everything in place.  I find it easiest to do this with a sewing machine, but you can do it by hand, too. 

Step Three:
Using thread that matches the colors in your ribbon, run a stitch down each side of your double-ribbon strip.

Keep the stitches close to the edges of your ribbon.

Step Four:

Now you have to connect your elastic to the other side.  Wrap the head band around your head so you can figure out where to stitch the elastic in.  You don't want it to be too big or too small! 

Once you've clipped the elastic to the right length, fold the ends of the ribbon inward just like you did in Step Two, and then insert the elastic.

Run a stitch through the end to secure the folds and the elastic. 

Step Five:

Enjoy your new head gear!

And make lots more!

That's it... I hope this made sense!  These things really are incredibly easy to make.  If you have a sewing machine and access to a fabric store that sells a variety of ribbons, then you really don't need to be shelling out $15+ for a head band.  Each of these costs about $3 for the material and about 10 minutes for my time. Plus, you have the luxury of sizing it for your own, uniquely shaped cranium. But, hey, if you would like to buy some from me, I'm happy to sell!

XOXO, Gossip Girl (I am still obsessed.  In fact, I think the obsession is getting worse.)