Super Hero Capes

My boys are really into super heroes, so I made them individualized capes to add to their Easter baskets. I started with the younger one's this time, since my second attempt at things always turns out better and my oldest is much more into the whole cape thing. I was right to do so, since I wasn't especially pleased with how the first one turned out. I used a tight zig-zag stitch to assemble the decals and it puckered a lot. The second time around I straight stitched it first, then did the zig-zag and it went much better. I also gave the second one the ability to be lengthened in case it turns out to be something he loves for a long time.

Easter Baskets

I found this tutorial a couple years ago and started one for my oldest son. I used a really cheap gingham that frayed all over the place and was excessively frustrating to work with. I gave up on the project after completing not much more than the base. I found out that my husband and his siblings had similar baskets growing up, so decided this year I'd scrap my first attempt and try again. I picked some nicer cottons, went through the work to fold and iron all the strips, and while it was tedious and took forever,  I am much happier with the outcome. Unlike the aforementioned tutorial, I took the time to hide my stitches while sewing the rows together (a thimble and pair of small needle nose pliers were absolutely necessary tools for this) and I think it will ultimately make for a stronger, better looking basket. I also learned with the first one not to cut all my strips the same length. The second one I cut the alternating green strips different lengths which made for a more random pattern that I like better. My first basket I tried a handle out of the same cord, but had a hard time attaching it and didn't especially like how it turned out. The second one I covered a stiff ribbon with wiring in it with matching fabric, and while it looks a bit flimsy, I think it will serve it's purpose better. So, probably not the funnest project I've ever done, but I think it will be fun for my kids to have homemade baskets to pull out every spring for years to come.