Superhero Towels

Months ago I did a post about the reversible superhero capes. I think they are darling, and I think it is a great project and gift idea... but let's face it- by now we have all seen them and it isn't as creative of a gift anymore. I was browsing through Martha Stewart's crafts from last year and came across this great project. It isn't something I have seen before at boutiques or stores, and I think it would be a darling gift for any little boy in your life. I plan to improvise a little on this project by making it into a hooded towel. This is really easy to do, and you can CLICK HERE to see some easy instructions on how to make a hooded towel. (This website has some other ideas to dress up a hooded towel in case you have a little girl or don't care for superheros.) I have to admit, this is a cool find for me. Hopefully someone else can put this idea to use too.

Tools and Materials
Bath towel
Washcloth
Superhero Cape Template
Reflective fabric
Adhesive agent, such as Steam-a-Seam
Disappearing-ink marking pen
Straight pins
Applique scissors
Button-covering kit

Superhero Cape How-To
1. Download and print the templates, then choose one of the shield shapes and an additional shape, and enlarge the images 400 percent. Cut a piece of reflective fabric into a 12-by-12-inch square. Trace the shield template on the square, then flip the template over and trace again; the templates are in halves, so you'll wind up with a whole symbol. Lay a piece of adhesive agent on the reverse side of the reflective material, cut out the shield, and using a pressing cloth and iron, affix the shield to the towel.

2. Place the lightning bolt or other symbol over the washcloth, and trace the shape using the disappearing-ink pen. Place the washcloth over the shield, and pin in place with straight pins. Sew along the traced line using a straight stitch, and cut away the excess washcloth with applique scissors. Save the scraps to fashion a button. Finish with a zigzag stitch along the lightning bolt.

3. To make a button, cut a circle of fabric that's twice the diameter of the button. Follow the instructions provided with the button-covering kit. Sew the button onto the cape. Measure your child's neck, and sew a scrap of the reflective-fabric shield in the appropriate spot on the cape to form a button loop.