cause it's also a good idea to sew 120 yards of ruffles....

Right?
I mean, if you're making 1 roll of streamers you might as well make 40?  Like when I made all those bags?
At least that sounds right in my head.

And it always looks right on my table.

And every time I sew Ruffled Streamers I think "Oh that color combo is my absolute favorite!"

Oh wait, this one's my favorite....

It's like a candy shop of ruffled paper and I just want to swim in it!....and then share the ruffled love with all my friends....which is why I was sewing these in the first place.....

Last week I was invited to a small sewing retreat hosted by Baby Lock Sewing machines, who's motto--by the way--is For the Love of Sewing! isn't that cute??  I'm starting a new partnership with them and can't wait to tell you more about their machines. 

So for two days straight, 38 of us sewers and bloggers got to hang out at Baby Lock headquarters, learn more about their machines, exchange business ideas, and just get to know each other!  I got to chat with Nancy Zieman---you know, THE Nancy Zieman, pioneer of sewing, Sewing With Nancy, Nancy?  She was great.  I learned about how the Missouri Star Quilt Company got started and how they've kept their small town alive through their business.  And I got to spend the night at See Kate Sew's house because we were in such deep conversation that we missed our plane together---while sitting at the gate.
Long embarrassing story.
But good times.

So.
(sorry for the ramble).
Back to streamers.

Baby Lock asked each of us to contribute an item to their swag bags for everyone to enjoy.
And I made each guest a roll of Ruffled Streamers!
This way they could decorate their hotel room....or have an after party at home with the fam.
They were really fun to make. And also fun to package.  So if you're looking to give these away as gifts, here's an idea for you.....

• First sew tons and tons of streamers using my video episode HERE, or my step-by-step tutorial HERE.
I made each of my ruffled rolls about 3 yards long.  And by using three rolls of standard streamers, I could make about 9 of those ruffled rolls.  That sounds complicated.  Basically, buy 3 rolls of streamers at the store and turn them into 9 rolls of ruffles.  Okay....
• While you're sewing, listen to good music.  Or have your 8 year-old tell you stories about school and recess.
• Then enlist said 8 year-old to help you roll and package, because she just can't resist touching every streamer.  They're just too pretty!

I typed up my name and web address and had them printed at our local Office Depot, Staples, etc. on 11x17 white cardstock and cut them into skinny strips.  A paper cutter makes this part a lot faster.

And with just a little bit of branding makes the streamers look so professional!

Then I purchased simple cellophane bags, slid my business card in the front, and stuffed a ruffled roll inside.

I also printed simple instructions so people knew how to party...and how to make new streamers in the future.
Then I included sticker dots to easily hang streamers on the wall.
And it was a party in a bag.

I don't know how those of you with handmade shops do it.
I had the entire family help me stuff and package the bags....and there were only 40!

I did love how neatly Owen lined these up, and how he kept track of each and every bag when I handed it to him.  Those kids are good workers.

Then I stuffed them all in a box and shipped it off to Baby Lock headquarters. 
And for one day, our house felt like a little factory.
I seriously wish I could sell these in an etsy shop.  But it just wouldn't be worth my time and effort.
So I guess I'll just give them away as gifts.

Okay friends, have ruffled fun weekend!