Project: Woven ribbon dresser scarf

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A woven pattern of thick and thin sheer ribbons creates a lovely dresser scarf. The varying sizes of the ribbon result in a simple plaid design from the over-and-under basket weaving. The project is a perfect accent for your dresser, vanity, or bedside tables, and also makes a wonderful gift. Choose colours that coordinate with your decorating scheme and place a special jewelry box or boudoir lamp on top.

Materials
• 1 1/2" (4 cm) and 7/8" (2 cm) wide sheer tan ribbons
• 1 1/2" (4 cm) and 5/8" (1.5 cm) wide sheet green ribbon
• 5/8" (1.5 cm) wide sheer gold ribbon
• sewing machine
• straight pins
• general craft supplies

Makes one scarf
1 Determine the length and width of your desired dresser scarf. Cut ribbons to desired length plus 2" (5 cm). Lay ribbons side by side lengthwise and pin top edge to an ironing board, alternating colours and widths. These ribbons will the warp of the weaving.

2 Cut additional ribbons to your desired width of the final project plus 2" (5 cm) to use for the weft of the weaving. Beginning 1" (3 cm) below the top of warp ribbons, weave the weft ribbons horizontally across the warp ribbons in an alternating over-and-under pattern, pinning each row immediately next to each other, and leaving a 1" (3 cm) overhang on each end. Alternate colours and widths of weft ribbons in a repeating pattern until you have woven your desired length. Apply strips of tape to the edges of the weaving to temporarily secure ribbons in place.

3 Machine-stitch a decorative or zigzag stitch along the outside ribbon to secure all ribbons in place. Remove tape and trim excess ribbon to desired length.

Excerpted from The Crafter's Project Book by Mary Ann Hall and Sandra Salamony. Copyright 2000 by Mary Ann Hall and Sandra Salamony. Excerpted with permission by Rockport Publishers. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

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