So Simply Stephanie

Mama Made Them wooden toy review

2011-12-29T15:51:00.001-08:00

I normally don't review products on here, but these wooden toys are so cool that I wanted to share...

Wooden toys from Mama Made Them on Etsy-
We purchased these through a group buy (at a discount) as Christmas gifts for the boys. These are such good quality that I would definitely be willing to pay full price for them. These toys are big fun for little hands & creative minds!

Bath toys - both boys have lots of fun with these in the bathtub. Good bye plastic bath toys, hello durable wooden toys!

Playground - my oldest LOVES this. The merry-go-round is so cool as is the swing.

Fire truck, bulldozer & flatbed truck - I love that the ladder comes off of the firetruck. The flatbed truck is just awesome.

Gas & Go Set - this one is awesome because it comes with 3 vehicles & lots of wooden people. All around fun.

Not pictured - teething keys. Baby Z really enjoys the sound these make & of course chewing on them.

My oldest son says his favorite toy is the firetruck. He thinks the peg person that is small with a black shirt & dark hair is himself. He has quite the adventures, especially when he replaces the fireman with himself! (And the red person in the back is his cousin Parker who I'm told is also a "good guy")

And here he is rescuing Daddy from the top of the swing...

Mama Made Them has some other great items... more vehicles, tools, storytelling sets, buildings & more. I think the Sun House & Little Kitchen look especially fun.
So if you're on the lookout for well made, durable toys that spark creativity go check out Mama Made Them.

241 Tote

2011-12-29T15:48:00.000-08:00

I normally try to find free tutorials/patterns online for the bags I make. However... once I saw the 241 Tote over at Noodlehead I knew it was a pattern I'd like to buy. Apparently I'm not the only one since I've seen many of these online. I used white linen & Modern Meadow fabric by Joel Dewberry for this project. I absolutely LOVE this fabric & have had it tucked awhile for a little while now. I knew it would be perfect for this project.

Here is my finished bag...

And the interior...

This pattern is written tutorial style (plenty of explanations for each step & lots of photos). It was super quick & easy - I made the purse in 1 day. I really enjoyed using this pattern & have already cut out the pieces for 3 more! A few notes - this was my first time using linen and I really liked it for the outer pockets & strap. Also, I used lightweight interfacing on the lining pieces, strap & all pockets. I used fusible fleece for the outer pieces. I think this combination gives the bag nice structure. I also added an extra pocket (5" x 7") to the interior of the bag.

I LOVE the how it turned out & I can't wait to try out my new bag!

Wooden toys & more

2011-12-29T15:23:00.000-08:00

Here are a few more simple wooden toys my husband and I have made for the boys...
Lacing shoe, dragon, robot & spaceship

The dragon is entirely my husband's creation - isn't it amazing!

I also wanted to share the last few Christmas gifts that I couldn't post before...
I made 2 of these fabric baskets for my husband (tutorial)

The finished Across the Sea Quilt for my sister (quilt along) - will upload pic later

2 more finished quilts

2011-12-15T21:29:00.000-08:00

I am not going to have time to finish all of the quilts I've started/planned for this year.... just not enough time in the day. Here are the last 2 quilts I will be working on as gifts:

For my cousin's son (twin size I-spy quilt)-

I made my own pattern for this quilt. It uses disappearing nine patch & sashing, so it's pretty simple. Hopefully I can find my notes and share it one of these days.

And for my mom (lap size Color Brick quilt)-

Wooden toys

2011-12-15T21:05:00.000-08:00

My husband recently bought a scroll saw. I don't know much about them, but apparently they can be used to make some pretty awesome stuff (see here, here & here for a few examples). We have some big plans for the scroll saw! Here are our first two super simple projects - the letter A & a giraffe teether...

Baby approved...

Preschooler approved...

They each still need to be sanded down a bit more & finished. I found some really useful info about painting & finishing natural wooden toys that I want to try. We would like to make more wooden animals, a few animal puzzles and maybe even tackle a few neat toys.

Quilting update

2011-11-08T12:00:00.000-08:00

I have been pretty busy with the boys, but have had a little time lately to sew and knit. Here is the front of my most recent quilt:

And the back:

Crib size (tutorial here) for my youngest sister, Hannah

And here are 3 quilts that will be finished once I hand sew on the binding to the back of the quilt...

Cherry Blossom Lane Quilt

2011-09-02T09:09:00.000-07:00

Here is my most recently completed quilt... Cherry Blossom Lane
Front:

Back:

Fabric used:
Front and piecing on the back - "Milly" from Erin Ries
Solid back - Robert Kaufman's Quilter's Linen in crimson (This stuff is great and I'd LOVE to have it in every color)

I normally don't buy fabric all from one line to use on a project, but I wanted to keep it simple this time and I found it all on sale! At 60" square this is my largest quilt so far & I used free motion quilting for the first time. I love how it turned out and can't wait to snuggle up with it in the cool fall weather that's right around the corner!

In the works right now...
* I've made all of the blocks for the Across the Sea Quilt Along. Next week we'll be sewing them together and adding the border.
* I have the quilt front & back completed for the twin size I-spy quilt I'm making for my cousin's son. I just need to get it sandwiched, pinned and of course quilted.
* Here is a sneak peek of another twin size quilt I'm working on - it will be red/white/black and in a zig zag design

Quilts, quilts and more quilts

2011-08-21T15:32:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been M.I.A. lately again. I've been pretty busy with these 2 little cuties...

and even with some sewing!

Actually, I’ve been quilting up a storm lately. Within in the last month I have completed 2 crib size I-spy quilts, have pieced half of a twin size I-spy quilt (I plan on sharing my pattern for this!) and am currently quilting a lap size quilt. Plus, I am going to participate in the Across the Sea quilt-along. I'm really excited about it since it will be my first quilt-along! Head on over and join in the fun, too...

All of these projects have/will use up a lot of my scrap fabric. I have lots of small to medium size pieces of fabric that I LOVE that are leftovers from other projects. It’s nice to put them to good use in these quilts.

And while typing this, I came up with an idea for twin size quilts for some of my siblings. I am hoping to do these for Christmas or birthdays next year. It seems I've become a little quilt crazed!

On to the pictures...

Here is the first completed I-spy quilt which is for my nephew Harlen. The backing is blue with safari animals-

This one is for my cousin’s daughter Sadie-

I LOVE the pieced back… so girly!

And here is a sneak peak of the lap size quilt that I’m working on. This one is for our home! It is the largest quilt I’ve made at 60” square and the first time I’ll be doing free motion quilting (stippling, to be exact). This type of quilting is a bit difficult, time consuming and uses LOTS of thread, but I like the look of it so far & can’t wait to finish.

Recent projects

2011-07-12T19:17:00.000-07:00

I know I've been MIA from my blog, but I have been working on a few sewing projects. My free time is very limited and it takes FOREVER to finish anything. Here are my recent projects:

Baby gift set

Another diaper bag with a divider and lots of pockets inside (tutorial HERE) & matching changing pad for myself

Inside

Tote bag for a charity auction (larger version of THIS bag)

Car organizer (a mix between these tutorials HERE & HERE) - I made this for my husband for Father's Day (the fabric says Best Dad Ever). He loves it. I'm thinking of making another for myself with more feminine fabric. This is SUPER HANDY!

Tote bag (tutorial HERE) - after making 2 diaper bags for myself, it turns out that I prefer using just a large tote bag instead. Go figure... LOL.

I've completed a few other totes, but forgot to photograph them. I am now working on some small gifts for the kids for Christmas. Quick and easy, which is about all I have time for these days.

I'm back, baby!

2011-05-31T10:24:00.001-07:00

I've been M.I.A. lately... tending to our new baby boy. I'm so glad I was able to sew up most of the birthday gifts I'll need for the year before the baby was born. About 2 weeks ago my sewing machine {finally} got to see the light of day. I'm not going to lie, finding time to sew isn't easy. I have, however, completed a few of the many projects on my list. I'll try to post pics as I get the time.

To keep me motivated, I'm making a list of projects I would like to complete this year:
Finish another diaper bag for myself
Jamie Dress for myself (wish I could have participated in this sew-along)
Large car playmat for my oldest son
Matching Christmas PJ's for my husband and sons
2 pair of felted sock monkey slippers for family/friends
Christmas gift set for my mom's friend
Apron for my mom

And here's a picture of the little cutie keeping me busy and away from sewing these days...

Sewing & knitting for baby

2011-03-17T10:54:00.000-07:00

Not much time left... just finishing up a few little baby items...

A changing pad to coordinate with the diaper bag I made-

Thermal knit blankets with binding-

Lovey-

A few more embellished burp cloths-

Teething doll

Baby chalice blanket (pattern)-

Sweet little knit hats (patterns here & here )-

And a little pair of no scratch mittens (pattern)-

If the baby doesn't come soon, I'm sure I'll find another baby project (or two) to pass the time.

Playing catch up - Cabrio Tote Sew-Along

2011-03-02T17:24:00.000-08:00

I've spent so much time knitting lately that my sewing projects have been gathering dust. So... yesterday I spent some much needed time at my cutting table & sewing machine. I finished up 3 gift sets for my midwife and her assistants. Now I'm working on finishing the Cabrio Tote Sew-Along.

Finish outer shell and make pockets (Steps 7-8)

Magnet Clasp and Finish Lining (Steps 9-10) This piece looks better in real life - I forgot to straighten out the fabric & pocket before I took the photo.

...and done!

Finish the Tote (Steps 12-14)- - - - - - - - March 2- 8

Gift sets

2011-03-02T14:22:00.000-08:00

I have created 3 gift sets like this one, but all in different fabrics. They are for my midwife & her assistants as a "thank you" for everything they've done/will be doing for me. I know I won't have much sewing time after the baby is born so I'm glad to have them finished now.

Lined tote bag, notepad holder, scrappy bookmark, key fob, pocket tissue holder, zippy wallet
(I used tutorials for some of the accessories - if so, I have linked to them in case you are interested in making them for yourself or as gifts! )

Lil' Giraffe & other knits

2011-02-23T23:54:00.000-08:00

Last night I finished up this super cute little giraffe (pattern HERE). It coordinates with the Giraffe Garden Quilt I made for our baby due next month...

Also, I finally finished these socks (pattern HERE) for my husband's birthday...

And a tiny little wool soaker (pattern HERE) for the baby...

Cabrio Tote Sew-Along: Steps 2-6

2011-02-15T09:19:00.000-08:00

Here is my progress for the Cabrio Tote Sew-Along.

Step 2: Cut out the pieces

Steps 3-6: Straps and outer shell gathered

Tomorrow I will be starting steps 7-8 (finishing the outer shell & making pockets). And you can still join in the sew-along fun!

Here is the timeline (just catch up & post pictures when you can):

Gather Fabric and supplies (Step1)- - - - - - Jan. 18- Feb. 1 (2weeks) 

Cut out the pieces (Step 2)- - - - - - - - - - - - -Feb. 2- Feb. 8 

Straps and Outer Shell Panel gathered (Step 3-6) -- - Feb. 9- Feb. 15  

Finish outer shell and make pockets (Step 7-8) - - - - - Feb. 16- Feb. 22 

Magnet Clasp and Finish Lining (Step 9-11) - - - - - - Feb. 23- March 1 

Finish the Tote (Step 12-14)- - - - - - - - March 2- 8

Sweaters

2011-02-13T10:05:00.000-08:00

Now on a knitting kick, I have recently knit up these cute little sweaters...

Jack Sweater (made a size smaller than the previous one) for my son. It fits him perfectly!

Jill Sweater (newborn size) - in case we have a baby girl

Close-up of the button & colors - the colors are hard to capture. The yarn used is ivory with specks of pink, brown & green. I LOVE how this turned out!

And of course a Jack Sweater (newborn size) - in case we have a baby boy

Cozy Car Caddies

2011-02-04T22:40:00.000-08:00

I've been working on more birthday gifts for this year. Since all of the little girl gifts are complete, I am focusing on little boy gifts. I saw the idea for these cute little car holders at Just Another Hang Up. Using the dimensions from the Cozy Car Caddy Tutorial at Homemade by Jill, I made these...

These are very quick and easy to make - would be perfect for a last minute birthday party gift.

Tote bags

2011-02-02T12:30:00.000-08:00

I have been sewing up a storm lately and have created a total of 17 tote bags in the last 2 weeks! I used this tutorial for the 1st bag I made, but then made some changes to the sizing for the rest. These are really easy to make and (if using non-directional decor weight fabric) really quick, too.

Here are some lined tote bags...

Some child sized totes...

And a few more of the little girl totes...

I need to order some fabric online and then I will be making a few more totes for my mom to give as gifts. I have almost all of the birthday gifts for the little girls and women in my family done for this year! Next I'll be working on gifts for the little boys.

Knitting pattern tester: The Jack Sweater

2011-01-31T08:04:00.000-08:00

In December, I signed up to be a tester for a knitting pattern. Here is the finished product...

The sweater on my little boy...

It's a little big, but should fit great through next winter.

It is called The Jack Sweater and the pattern will be released soon on Ravelry. There is also a feminine version called The Jill Sweater which is super cute! Both versions are customizable to be a sweater with or without a hood OR a jacket with or without a hood. I really like the overall look of this sweater & can't wait to make the next one in a smaller size!

Giraffe Garden Quilt

2011-01-27T22:18:00.000-08:00

Well, here it is...

Giraffe Garden Quilt

This is my 2nd quilt ever... a crib sized quilt for our baby due in 2 months. I think I'm officially in love with making quilts now.

I have seen some lovely fabrics online (and at my local fabric store) that I would love to use for future quilts. And there are MANY beautiful patterns that I'd love to try. My biggest concern... I'm not sure if I'm up for machine quilting a larger quilt on my regular sewing machine. I think I could probably do a twin size... but even that seems intimidating. I'm not at the point where I'm willing to spend $100 or more to have someone else quilt it for me, either. Any quilters out there want to share some tips/tricks for quilting larger quilts on a sewing machine?

Quilting

2011-01-25T20:15:00.000-08:00

Today I did a little work on the baby quilt. Here I am 7 month pregnant and ready to begin quilting...

I am eager to get to the binding, because I actually enjoy handing sewing it to the back of the quilt. I find it oddly soothing. (Maybe I should venture into hand quilting on my next quilt since I enjoy this part so much.) I hope to have this quilt finished in the next few days.

Little Tote Bags

2011-01-20T16:12:00.000-08:00

Since life will get a little hectic in a few months, I am starting to work on birthday gifts now. Here are some tote bags for the little girls in the family-

I got the idea from Just Another Hang Up's Lil' Girl Springtime Tote Tutorial. I ended up using canvas that I found on sale for the bag outer & handles (and therefore omitted the interfacing). I also made mine in various sizes. These are VERY quick, easy, fun to make... and ADORABLE! Plus they can be a great fabric stash buster project (you can use up lots of scrap fabric).

WIP: Giraffe Garden Baby Quilt

2011-01-17T16:00:00.000-08:00

I'm really excited about my current WIP (work in progress) and thought I would share - a baby quilt (pattern HERE) for our baby due in a few months.

The quilt top is nearly complete (I just need to add the white border). The main print used is Michael Miller's Giraffe Garden in grey. I saw this fabric months ago & just couldn't make up mind it if was a print I truly loved. Plus, I wasn't sure if I wanted to make a neutral quilt for the baby now or wait until we find out gender at birth & then make a quilt. I finally decided to buy the fabric only to realize it was no longer available at Fabricworm... or most other online shops. Luckily I was able to find just enough of it on Etsy to make this quilt! And despite the colors being a little out of my comfort zone (which actually look better in real life than they do in these photos), I really love how this quilt is turning out!

The accent fabrics are all prints I found locally. I will be using cotton batting & backing the quilt with Michael Miller's Huevos in gray (once it arrives in the mail). I also plan to use the scrap accent fabric to make my own bias binding.

As for the quilting... I'm not 100% sure what I will do yet for this. I think just straight line quilting in a grid following the boxes, sashing & borders (like HERE) or going diagonal through the squares (like HERE) would look nice. I also love the look of free motion (like HERE), but have yet to try it. What do you think would look best?

Butterbean Dolls

2011-01-11T10:51:00.000-08:00

5 more Butterbean Dolls (from a Bit of Whimsy Dolls pattern) to be given as gifts...

Sylvia Sling & a wallet

2011-01-10T22:55:00.000-08:00

My latest projects: a SYLVIA SLING & a coordinating LONG WALLET

This set is for ME. I love the overall size of the purse, but would prefer the interior pockets to be a bit taller. The wallet is perfect for my use featuring 6 card slots, 3 full width pockets and a large zippered pouch. I can't wait to use these!!!

The patterns...
* The purse pattern was mostly easy to follow. However, the thickness of fabrics made it a little tough to sew in spots. I had a difficult time getting the gusset lined up just right & the handles were a bit of a chore to get on properly. Overall a good pattern, but not for the beginner seamstress.
* The wallet pattern is VERY easy to follow & could be made by a beginner. This wallet sews up quickly & has a very nice finished look. I will definitely be making more of these!!!

Cabrio Tote Sew-Along: Intro & Step 1

2011-01-06T08:38:00.000-08:00

I am going to be participating in the Cabrio Tote Sew Along over at Sew Spoiled. (There is even a coupon code for the pattern on the sew along post!) I have been eying this pattern for a while... and well, now I have no excuse not to buy it. This amazing bag converts from a shoulder bag to a backpack, which I love!

photo from Sew Spoiled

If you'd like to join in the fun, here is the timeline for the sew along-

Gather Fabric and supplies (Step1)- - - - - - Jan. 18- Feb. 1 (2weeks)

Cut out the pieces (Step 2)- - - - - - - - - - - - -Feb. 2- Feb. 8

Straps and Outer Shell Panel gathered (Step 3-6) -- - Feb. 9- Feb. 15  

Finish outer shell and make pockets (Step 7-8) - - - - - Feb. 16- Feb. 22

Magnet Clasp and Finish Lining (Step 9-11) - - - - - - Feb. 23- March 1

Finish the Tote (Step 12-14)- - - - - - - - March 2- 8

I already have the main fabric for this bag so I spent a little time yesterday buying the rest of the supplies. I can't wait to get started!

Embellished burp cloths

2011-01-06T08:36:00.000-08:00

Super quick and easy - embellished burp cloths for our baby due in a few months. This is a great way to use up some scrap fabric!

Purse & accessories

2011-01-05T22:57:00.000-08:00

My sister's birthday was on New Year's Eve. Here are the gifts I made for her-

Purse & accessories (tissue holder, zippered pouch & key fob).

Magical Scraps

2011-01-04T08:51:00.000-08:00

On Christmas Eve, my family & I went to Breckenridge, CO. While there we (mainly I) visited a store called Magical Scraps.

I felt like I was in crafter's heaven! They have some AMAZING stuff! I love so much of what they sell and that they use fun & modern fabrics for everything!

They even have a section where they sell fabric.

I was able to control myself and only bought 1 yard of fabric (Tina Givens - Opal Owl)

Go check them out if you're ever in the area (or visit their Etsy shop)!

Plans for the New Year

2011-01-03T10:36:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

I have so many crafting plans/ideas/goals for 2011. Here is a little list of what I'd like to accomplish this year:
* Finish my Silvia Sling & make a matching wallet DONE
* Make a baby gift set from some neutral fabrics
* Finish knitting a sweater for my little boy (I am pattern tester for this) DONE
* Finish knitting a pair of socks DONE
* Knit another pair of Felted Sock Monkey Slippers
* Sew a few cloth diapers for our baby due in a few months
* Embellish prefolds for our baby due in a few months DONE
* Participate in a Sew-Along or two ONE DONE
* Make a few I-Spy Quilts for the little ones in my family
* Decide if I want to make a gender neutral quilt for our baby now, or try to find the time to make one in a fabric I truly love once the baby is born DONE
* Make some bibs for the baby once he/she is older
* Make some of these awesome Travel Duffles as gifts (and maybe even some matching luggage tags)
* Make all homemade birthday presents this year DONE WITH ALL OF THE GIFTS FOR THE GIRLS, WOMEN & LITTLE BOYS
* Make all homemade Christmas presents this year
* Create a tutorial or two for this blog
I'm sure I'll come up with MUCH more as the year progresses.

Of course, it will probably help if I spend less time perusing craft blogs & Etsy and spend more time actually sewing & knitting!

Bitty Bug Dolls

2010-12-16T10:44:00.000-08:00

I started out thinking I would make 2 of these Bitty Bug Dolls (1 boy version, 1 girl version) for our baby due in a few months. However, my son had a different idea. He decided he wanted the first one I made (brown with dots). In total, I've made 3 of these now in the last day.

They are super quick and easy to make and are from the Bitty Bug pattern from Bit of Whimsy.

Christmas stockings

2010-12-14T23:26:00.000-08:00

We will be needing an extra Christmas stocking next year and I've been wanting to replace the one we have for our son. So... I decided to make 2 stockings from fabric I bought last Christmas.

These are super quick and easy to make! Here's how:
Trace a stocking you already have adding in 1/4" all around for seam allowances. This will be your pattern (or find a pattern online). Using the pattern cut out 2 pieces of fabric for lining, 2 pieces of fabric for the outside and 2 pieces of fusible fleece. Iron fleece to the wrong side of both outside fabric pieces. With right sides together, sew the outside pieces together. Do the same for the lining (minus the fusible fleece), but leave a 3" opening one one side (to later turn the stocking right side out). Cut an 8" x 2" piece of fabric to hang the stocking OR use a piece of ribbon approximately 1/2" wide by 8" long. If using fabric to hang the stocking, fold this piece in half lengthwise & iron, open and then fold outer edges in to center & iron. Fold in half again & iron. This gives you a piece that's 1/2" x 8". Topstitch around long edges.
Then you can follow the Lined Stocking With a Cuff Tutorial to finish off the stocking!

Diaper Bag

2010-12-14T23:20:00.000-08:00

In a few months we'll be needing a diaper bag, so I whipped this up over the last few days. I used the Go Mama! Diaper Bag pattern. It is a well-written pattern and the bag was easy to make! Here it is:

It has a pockets on the front, a zippered pocket on the backside, elastic pockets on the sides and pockets inside. I really like how it turned out & hope it serves it's purpose well!

Dolls

2010-12-13T09:11:00.000-08:00

I can't say enough how much I LOVE Bit of Whimsy doll patterns. They are well written & the dolls come together quickly. Like Bit of Whimsy on facebook to get in on some great deals for their 12 Days of Christmas special.

Here are my 2 latest creations from the patterns-

Rose Doll

Daddy Frog Doll

Dolls previously made by me from Bit of Whimsy patterns-
Butterbean Doll (here, here, here)
Mae Doll (here)
Bumble Bee Doll (here, here)
Lamb Doll (here, here, here)
These are great patterns if you're looking for some quick and easy Christmas gifts! The patterns are e-mailed to you quickly in PDF format so you can get started on them right away.

Sock Monkey Slippers

2010-12-13T09:00:00.000-08:00

I can't wait until after Christmas to share these on my blog...

Felted Sock Monkey Slippers for my husband, myself & my son. This is the project I am most proud of this Christmas and I can't wait to see my son & husband open these gifts.

Interested in making these yourself? As far as the PATTERN goes, I really like it. I learned a few new knitting techniques to make the slippers. Overall I would say these are at the advanced beginner/intermediate level. They work up REALLY fast, which is nice. I was able to knit each slipper in a day or less. The pattern comes as an e-mailed PDF, so you can get started on them right away!

Christmas projects

2010-12-02T23:13:00.000-08:00

A few more completed Christmas projects...

Felted slippers (pattern HERE) - these are quick, fun and easy to make

No-sew fleece blanket

Drawstring toy bag - This is the perfect fabric for the castle blocks that are inside.

I've made 3 of these knit hats (pattern HERE)

I am also working on some very special slippers that I can't wait to share on here after Christmas.

More aprons

2010-11-15T22:08:00.000-08:00

Whew... just finished up FIVE more aprons for Christmas gifts!

I've also been knitting up a storm. Pics to be shared after the holidays :)

Itty bitty newborn outfit

2010-10-28T09:57:00.000-07:00

Last week I finished up this newborn outfit for our baby due in March. It's made out of 1 ply 100Purewool yarn. It's very soft!

Kimono Top
I was super lucky to win a free pattern from Sweet Mama Small Sugar. You can buy a copy HERE. It's really easy to follow and a fairly quick knit. I just LOVE this top!
Longies (pants used as a cloth diaper cover)
I used THIS great free pattern.
Booties
I used THIS free pattern. It was pretty easy to follow and these knit up very quickly.
Hat
I used THIS free pattern, but tweaked it a bit for the yarn & needles I was using. It's super fast and easy!

Using the same hat & longies patterns I also made this little set:

I'm really happy with how they all turned out. I think the ivory and dark brown set will make a nice keepsake.

Crayon Rolls

2010-10-28T09:30:00.000-07:00

I was asked by a family member to make some crayon rolls for Christmas gifts. Here they are:

I used the Crayon Roll Tutorial from Skip To My Lou. These are pretty quick and easy to make. I did change the closure type. If you want to make one of these for a younger child, try this:
STOP at the point in the tutorial where you are placing the ribbon in between the outer & inner pieces of fabric. You'll need-
5" tall x 10" wide piece of fabric
1" x 2" hook & loop tape (commonly referred to as Velcro)
Take the fabric & fold in one short end by 1/4". Then fold the fabric in half lengthwise & iron. Open and fold raw ends in to center & iron. Then fold in half again. You will now have a strap that is 1.25" tall x 9.75" long. Pin this where the tutorial instructs you to pin the ribbon with the raw end where you'd place the fold of the ribbon. (I prefer the seam facing down). Follow the rest of the tutorial. Sew the hook tape on near the end of the strap - you'll sew it on the side of the strap that is facing up when the roll is open. (You can use a small zig zag around the whole piece or I prefer to use pinking shears when cutting the hook & loop tape and then use a small straight stitch to attach) Then fill the roll with crayons, roll it up and see where the hook tape falls on the strap. Mark the edges so that you'll know where to place the loop tape. Sew on the loop tape. You're done!

More Christmas Gifts

2010-10-26T14:50:00.000-07:00

More Christmas gifts I have been working on....
Little Girl Aprons
I made these for 2 of my sisters using Kwik Sew pattern 3787. The pictures don't do justice to these super cute aprons. They are adorable on a person, but in an effort to avoid traumatizing my 2 year old son I will not make him model them. LOL

The girls picked out the fabric combinations. I think they did a great job of mixing and matching to make these fun!

I probably won't be posting many more Christmas gift photos. Many of those gifts are for family members that read this blog. It kinda ruins the surprise if they see it here first :)

Christmas Gifts

2010-10-24T20:49:00.000-07:00

I've had the sewing bug lately, so I've been working on lots of Christmas gifts. Here are the items I've made in the last week.

Toddler Drawstring Backpacks
I recently whipped up a few backpacks for my son & for gifts. I used the How to Sew A Drawstring Backpack Tutorial from Prudent Baby. It's very quick and easy. My son loves his monkey backpack:

All except 1 of these are going to be Christmas gifts:

Toddler Purse
I used this Toddler Purse Tutorial from Getting Crafty. This is a VERY quick and easy project, so give it a try!

The other items I have in the works right now include little girl aprons & a purse and accessory set.

Alien rag quilt

2010-10-21T21:30:00.000-07:00

I recently made this for my nephew's birthday:

A rag quilt made out of alien flannels & stripes. Very cute and easy to make! If you'd like to try your hand at one of these then check out THIS tutorial.

Still here

2010-10-08T21:45:00.000-07:00

I am still here. Life has been busy and I just haven't had much time to post. I have made a few baby items that I'll be sharing soon.

I had only started learning to sew when pregnant with my first child. I didn't really make much for him, aside from a few receiving blankets & burp cloths. Now that my sewing and knitting skills have increased, I plan on making quite a few things for our next baby.

Please feel free to comment with any baby item tutorials/links/patterns to give me some fresh ideas. Thanks!

Tiny stuff

2010-09-13T09:09:00.000-07:00

In March we will be welcoming a new baby into our family. A bit of surprise, but our son will become a big brother. Here are some tiny gender neutral (we don't plan on finding out gender) things I've been working on...

3 itty bitty knit hats using the Perfect Fit Baby Hat pattern. (And even a crocheted flower to add to 1 of the hats if we have a girl.)

I-Spy Fabric Swap FINISHED!

2010-09-05T09:11:00.000-07:00

Swap 1 was mailed out on time and hopefully everyone (in the US) has already received their package. Swap 2 was a bit delayed, but are in the mail!

Hannah's Purse

2010-08-24T10:11:00.000-07:00

Using the Beginner's Bias Tape Bag tutorial from Prudent Baby, I made this purse.

I scaled down the pattern to 75% of the original size - perfect for my little sister Hannah who's turning 2 next month!

Received: I-Spy Squares

2010-08-19T18:01:00.000-07:00

Now just waiting on one package for swap 1 and four packages for swap 2.

Received: LOTS more I-Spy squares

2010-08-16T20:07:00.000-07:00

I received TEN packages in the mail today. I'm sure my mailman wonders what is going on!

Unfortunately, 1 package was damaged in transit and half of the contents lost. The swapper and I are working to replace them in time to meet the swap deadlines. That problem aside, this experience has been lots of fun. There are so many sweet ladies in this swap!!!

I am now just waiting on 4 packages for swap 1 and 6 packages for swap 2. So close to being able to package everything up and sent out to the participants!

Received: more I-Spy squares

2010-08-14T22:27:00.000-07:00

As of today, I have 10 packages for swap 1 and 7 packages for swap 2. Getting close!

Received: more I-Spy squares

2010-08-12T14:55:00.000-07:00

I've received more of the I-Spy squares in the mail recently.

Received: I-Spy Squares

2010-08-09T13:53:00.000-07:00

When I returned from my trip to see family, I had 4 swap packages just waiting to be opened!

I-Spy Squares

2010-08-03T14:21:00.000-07:00

I can't wait to start receiving packages from the other participants to see what fabrics they chose. This swap has been a lot of fun so far!

I-Spy Fabric Swap

2010-07-27T09:53:00.000-07:00

BOTH SWAPS FULL!

After making my first quilt, I am in love. I especially adore I-Spy quilts, so I've decided to host an I-Spy fabric swap here on my blog!

What is an I-Spy Quilt?

A quilt made with fabric that has neat prints, especially fun for children to play I-Spy. There are many other cute things you can make with I-Spy fabric squares, like I-Spy Blocks and an I-Spy Book.

Where did I get the idea? Well, I missed out on a swap over at one of my favorite blogs: Obsessively Stitching. Then was directed to a swap over at Ken+Tris. After participating in her swap and finishing my first quilt, I just knew I wanted to make more of these fun quilts!

So here goes... the 1st 20 people who email me or comment on this blog will be able to participate. Please forward this on to any friends you have who may be interested. MAKE SURE TO LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS!!

THE BASICS:

*Have 200 I-Spy squares in the mail to me by AUGUST 15th (plus a self addressed return envelope, stamped).

*Get 200 I-Spy squares back by the 30th of AUGUST.

THE DETAILS:

1. I'm looking for approximately 20 friends, hopefully friends who all shop at different fabric stores. Yes, this means you, friends in different states. It's a simple quilt to put together, so if you've never quilted before, try it! Here is a great tutorial on making the same quilt I did: Disappearing Nine-Patch Quilt (I-Spy Version).

2. Cut 20 4" squares out of each of 10 different novelty print fabrics (quilting quality cotton wovens - no flannel). A 1/4-yard cut or fat quarter will get you 20 4" squares, so you will be purchasing a total of about 2 1/2 yards of fabric.

3. In order to avoid duplicates, everyone will need to search out unusual or obscure prints. Look for things that aren't available at chain stores. But, please, pick FUN ones! If you love it, the other swappers will love it too!

4. Remember that we are looking for fabric with objects on it, not printy-prints. (A fabric with FLOWERS on it is very different from a FLORAL PRINT.)

5. No "licensed" prints: No Disney, Dora, L.A. Lakers, etc.

6. Remember seam allowances! Be sure you can tell what you are looking at within a 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" square. Nobody wants only half of an object in their square -- cut them well! (Depending on your fabric choice, you may need to buy more than 1/4 yard in order to get an object into each cut square.)

7. Please pre-wash & press your fabric BEFORE cutting. I recommend using a cutting mat, rotary cutter and ruler to make cuts as they will be more precise than marking & cutting with scissors.

8. International swappers welcome!

Here are some of the squares that I received in the swap I participated in:

If you have any questions just let me know! Oh, and don't forget to follow my blog so you'll see updates here as I post them.

I-Spy Quilt

2010-07-23T12:58:00.000-07:00

I finished my first quilt ever today!!! Here is the finished I-Spy quilt:

I even made a label with a photo of myself & my son. This is something my aunt does on many of her quilts and I knew immediately I wanted to add photo label to this:

Here is my happy little guy checking out his new quilt:

I really enjoyed making this quilt. It was not nearly as difficult or time consuming as I expected. I would really like to make more of these, but would need more I-Spy squares. If I can't find another swap for these, I'm thinking about running a swap here. Would there be any interest???

I-Spy Quilt - quilted

2010-07-21T17:01:00.000-07:00

I changed my mind about the backing for the quilt. I found some great fabric at my local fabric store that has glow-in-the-dark stars.

My son LOVES it.

I was able to pin baste all the layers (yay for a large tile floor in the kitchen) last night.

I did all of the quilting today!

I did an easy quilt pattern - straight lines along the i-spy blocks. I decided to use invisible thread. I like the invisible look of it, but wow was that stuff difficult to use at first. I finally got it figured out and it was smooth sailing. The quilting is BY NO MEANS perfect. The fabric shifted a bit while I was quilting. I guess next time I need to put in more pins to help with that. So far, I am very happy with my very first quilt!

This evening I plan to sew on the binding to the front. I doubt I'll have enough time to hand sew the binding on the back of the quilt. But YAY, it's almost done!

Baby girl gift set

2010-07-20T22:24:00.000-07:00

For a friend to give as a gift...

I-Spy Quilt Top

2010-07-18T23:23:00.000-07:00

I started my FIRST QUILT EVER a few days go. I just finished the top! Here it is:

It isn't perfect, but I LOVE it and think my son will, too.
I used ivory for the sashing & black for the little squares mainly because I had them on hand. The back will be large blocks of solid fabric with prints sprinkled in (I think). Aside from the I-Spy squares, I'm trying to only use fabric I have at home instead of buying more.

Next up - creating the back. I'm very nervous about the quilting part. I had originally decided to do free-motion quilting (not knowing how tough it would be for me). I think now I will do straight line quilting. I know it will be boring, but easier. And this is, after all, my first quilt.

For any quilters out there, do you have any tips for me?

P.S. A big thank you to Care over at Obsessively Stitching. Without all of the great help on her blog, I'm not sure I would have been courageous enough to make a quilt.

200 squares

2010-07-15T17:52:00.000-07:00

200 little squares of awesome-ness!

My squares from the I-Spy Fabric Swap arrived today. I had a great time looking through all of them. Here are a few of my favorites:

Top to bottom, left to right: Bees, mice in a maze, scissors
Japanese (?) dolls, bicycles, caged birds
Trucks, vintage clothes, pyramids/camels/etc.

I can't wait to get started on some I-Spy Blocks and an I-Spy quilt like this one from Obsessively Stitching:

Sewing for the kitchen

2010-07-01T00:39:00.000-07:00

I have a few sewing projects in the works right now (mostly items to spice up my kitchen). I have chosen fabric from the new Early Bird collection by Cosmo Cricket.

I love these prints! They are so much fun.

Want some ideas to spice up your kitchen? Go check out Spice Up Your Kitchen Link Roundup.

Lucky Purse

2010-06-26T14:34:00.000-07:00

Using this free tutorial, I made a cross-body purse for my mom's birthday. She normally doesn't carry a purse, but I thought this might come in handy when she goes to Laughlin and Vegas later this year. And who knows, maybe it'll bring her a bit of luck!

I really like the design of the purse. As seen in this picture, one side has a zipper closure. The opposite side has an open pocket. The top zips closed to keep everything safe and secure inside.

Quilted Placemats

2010-06-22T22:46:00.000-07:00

I have almost finished all of the quilted placemats for our dining room table. Each one is a bit different. Since I'm new to quilting I tried a few techniques - random quilting patterns on each square, straight line quilting, stippling (wow, that's hard!), and hand quilting. Some have binding around the edges while others are turned and topstitched. I like the mix-n-match look of them on the table.

Here is my favorite of the bunch:

(Some of the blocks appear orange, but they are a bright, cheery red with tiny white polka dots.)

I used straight line quilting, which I think looks great on this placemat. The binding is scrap material from the blocks. I can't believe I'm going to say this, but I like hand stitching the back of the binding. It's a bit time consuming, but I really enjoy it.

Once I am done hand quilting the last placemat I will post pics of all of them. If you're interested in making some for yourself, see my previous placemat post for tutorial links.

Baby boy gift set

2010-06-10T16:15:00.000-07:00

I have been very busy sewing lately! Here are my newest completed items:

Baby gift set - 2 receiving blankets, 2 burp cloths, 2 bibs and a lovey. I hope the baby boy and parents enjoy this set!

Fabric giveaway

2010-06-08T23:38:00.000-07:00

Cluck Cluck Sew Giveaways is hosting an AMAZING giveaway from The Quilt Shoppe. It is for a fat quarter bundle of Whimsy by Fig Tree Quilts for Moda!!! Go check it out HERE.

Bag Sew-Along (pt 1)

2010-06-07T19:34:00.000-07:00

I'm participating in the {Make} A Bag Sew-Along.
I just completed part 1 - making the bag outer.

If you like to sew and like bags, then you may enjoy this sew-along. Join in the fun!

Bean bags

2010-06-07T19:29:00.000-07:00

I whipped up a few bean bags for my son. They are a great way to use up scrap fabric!

Like to make some for your child? These are pretty simply, but if you need some help then try this tutorial from Lil Blue Boo.

Pot holders

2010-06-07T13:24:00.000-07:00

My mom's neighbor asked me to make some pot holders to match her kitchen decor. Here they are:

Pretty simple and quick to make!

I-Spy Fabric Swap

2010-06-04T21:15:00.000-07:00

I've decided to take the plunge & participate in an I-SPY FABRIC SWAP. Basically, you cut out 20 4"x4" sqaures from 10 different fabrics. Then you mail them to the swap hostess. She sends you back the same number of squares (200) but each square is a different fabric. This is perfect for making an I-SPY QUILT. I've been wanting to make one of these quilts for my son since I first saw them. So cute!

Here are the fabrics I've chosen:

Top (L to R) Bees, Cats, Socks, Mushrooms, Owls
Bottom (L to R) Buttons, Dinosaurs, Bananas, Cars, Castles

Here are the fabrics cut and ready to mail!

There is another swap going on right now. If you'd like to participate, hurry on over to Obsessively Stitching. Be quick, as the spots fill up fast!

Quilted Table Decor

2010-05-28T08:07:00.000-07:00

I started the top for this awhile ago. I finally sat down and quilted around the blocks and added the bias tape. I really like how it turned out. I made it to put on our coffee table to add a little color to the room.

(More) Reusable Snack Bags

2010-05-25T12:28:00.000-07:00

I have completed several more reusable snack bags (and a few sandwich bags) for my siblings:

If you're in the market to buy some, I highly recommend: Little Bugs Boutique

If you'd like to make some, here are just a few of the many blogs with tutorials: We Wilsons, Noodleheads, My Happy Crazy Life

Quilted Placemat

2010-05-21T06:10:00.000-07:00

My newest obsession... quilted placemats! I saw a beautiful quilted placemat over at Sew, Mama, Sew! and knew I wanted something like that for our home. Here is my first attempt:

I love the overall look and can't wait to make more to use on our dining room table.

I have decided against making a tutorial for this. Instead, here are links to some great tutorials I found online:
Quilted Placemats
Patchwork Placemats
Simple Placemats

If you have hours upon hours to kill, go check out all of the amazing quilts participating in the Spring 2010 Blogger's Quilt Festival! I am not participating (maybe next time!), but am very inspired by all of the lovely quilts.

Reusable snack bags

2010-05-20T12:45:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to make some reusable bags for a long time now, but I just didn't have the time. Well, I found some time this week.
Here's my first attempt - 1 sandwich size bag and 2 snack size bags:

Here are 2 sets I made of snack size bags for my cousin's kids:

If you're in the market to buy some, I highly recommend Little Bugs Boutique. I recently purchased some from this work-at-home mom and was very impressed by the quality. I even did a review here!

Sew, Mama, Sew Giveaway Day - Handbag CLOSED

2010-05-16T10:44:00.000-07:00

* CLOSED * CLOSED * CLOSED *
And the winner is...

Angela C. said...

Very Cute! I love the fabrics you chose!

Angela
accoupons at gmail dot com

MAY 17, 2010 2:38 PM

The winner has been emailed!

It's time for Sew, Mama, Sew's Giveaway Day!

My first giveaway is for a Sweet Pea Classy Curvy Handbag-

A few details: the purse is approximately 13" tall by 15" wide, with 20" straps. It has one interior pocket (as shown).

To enter this giveaway...
Leave a comment, any ol' comment will do! REMEMBER TO LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS, so I can contact you if you're the winner.

I'll close the giveaway on Thursday, May 20th (my wedding anniversary!) at Noon (MDT). The winner will be selected randomly via random.org

This giveaway is open to US RESIDENTS ONLY and the package will be shipped by May 24th.

Thank you for checking out my blog! Also, a big thanks to Sew, Mama, Sew! for organizing this Giveaway Day! * Check out my other giveaway here *

Sew, Mama, Sew Giveaway Day - Baby Gift Set CLOSED

2010-05-16T09:45:00.000-07:00

* CLOSED * CLOSED * CLOSED *
Due to the overwhelming response, I have decided to give away all 3 sets. Here are the winners (and luckily, they all picked a different set!).
# 34

angelina said...

i love the middle cars set.!

MAY 18, 2010 4:34 AM

#10

Tim, Allyson, and kids said...

Love the safari
a_heart4home at yahoo

MAY 17, 2010 8:05 AM

#91

Mama Lusco said...

The Animal Crackers would be my choice. Thanks for the great giveaway. luscofamily@ortelco.net

MAY 18, 2010 10:22 PM

All winners have been emailed!

It's time for Sew, Mama, Sew's Giveaway Day!

My second giveaway is for ONE Baby Gift Set made from flannel and backed with chenille. The set includes an infant size bib, wash cloth, burp cloth and large receiving blanket. You can choose from these 3 sets:
Safari-

Cars-

Animal crackers-

To enter this giveaway...

Leave a comment letting me know WHICH set you'd like to win! REMEMBER TO LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS, so I can contact you if you're the winner.

I'll close the giveaway on Thursday, May 20th (my wedding anniversary!) at Noon (MDT). The winner will be selected randomly via random.org

This giveaway is open to US RESIDENTS ONLY and the package will be shipped by May 24th.

Thank you for checking out my blog! Also, a big thanks to Sew, Mama, Sew! for organizing this Giveaway Day! * Check out my other giveaway here *

Puzzle ball

2010-05-13T07:48:00.000-07:00

After making a puzzle ball for part of a baby gift set, I decided to make another for my son. These are neat little toys that can be made as big or small as you like. I might try making some with jingle bells in them and with ribbon tags on the outer edges. These are perfect for using up scrap fabric! The pattern I used is from the book titled Last-Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts.

Baby gift set

2010-05-13T07:26:00.000-07:00

Here is a simple baby gift set that I made for my cousin's friend. It includes a bib, burp cloth and puzzle ball.

I hope the baby boy enjoys them!

RIBBIE diaper soaker

2010-04-29T12:14:00.000-07:00

I recently finished knitting this RIBBIE diaper soaker (cloth diaper cover). The pattern is in the testing phase and I was excited to knit this up and give feedback.

It is a one-size fits most cover, meaning that it should fit a newborn up to a toddler nearing the potty training age. The pattern was really easy to follow and was VERY fast to knit. The creator of the pattern also sells the finished product. If you'd like to buy one, go to her etsy store La Petite Krott Creations.

Here is the soaker on my 2 year old son:

I love the fit on him and because of the ribbing it has lots of room to grow (in all directions)!

Laptop Sleeve

2010-04-27T14:38:00.000-07:00

Month 2 of Bag Making Project #6:
Laptop Sleeve (tutorial here)

This will be a birthday gift for one of my sisters. I hope the size is right and that she likes it!

Rag Bag Tote

2010-04-21T22:07:00.000-07:00

Month 2 of bag making project #5:
Rag Bag Tote (inspiration here, tutorial here) for a family member's birthday

Crochet project bag

2010-04-14T16:43:00.000-07:00

Month 2 of bag making project #4:
Project bag (from the Knit & Go Girl Knitting Set pattern from Wired Up Designs). This one is for one of my mom's neighbors. She'll be using it for crochet projects and I hope she likes it!

Inside fabric is a solid pink.

Sweet Pea Classy Curvy Handbag

2010-04-07T08:57:00.000-07:00

Month 2 of bag making project #3:
Sweet Pea Classy Curvy Handbag (from this pattern, or buy it directly from the designer here)

Close-up of button & fabric

Inside

I really like how this purse turned out and can't wait to make a few more!

Knitting project bag

2010-04-05T16:00:00.000-07:00

Month 2 of bag making project #2:
Project bag (from the Knit & Go Girl Knitting Set pattern from Wired Up Designs)

It's the perfect size to hold a ball of yarn and a small project. The strap makes it handy to attach to the outside of the knitting bag or your wrist as you knit.

Month 2 of Bag Making

2010-04-03T15:23:00.000-07:00

Realizing that I have many bag projects lined up, I have decided to do another Month of Bag Making. Here goes...

Month 2 of Bag Making project 1: Knitting Tote

Inside:

Front pocket opens and houses needles and notions:

UPDATED WITH NEW PHOTO!!! The bag expands with a drawstring top to hold even more yarn:

I originally made some mistakes when assembling the bag. I decided to take it apart and fix the problems with the drawstring area.

I used the Knit & Go Girl Knitting Set pattern from Wired Up Designs. (I love their slogan: "These aren't your mother's patterns") Next, I'll be working on the the other 2 parts to the bag set: project bag & deluxe needle roll. I can't wait to finish this set and use it!

Noellaig Shorties

2010-04-03T15:18:00.000-07:00

I have completed another pair of hand knit wool shorts (AKA shorties).

Close-up to better show the actual colors in the yarn:

The yarn used was organic merino which is a bit thinner than I am used to, but very soft. The yarn was dyed by Mosaic Moon and is in the Noellaig colorway. I LOVE the colors in this!

Bibs & a Paci Clip

2010-04-01T22:37:00.000-07:00

Tonight I finished up 2 bibs & a pacifier clip.

Princess crumbcatcher style bib (to go with the birthday girl's onesie & birthday crown)

Patriots crumbcatcher style bib and pacifier clip

Baby's first doll

2010-03-31T10:20:00.000-07:00

A First Babydoll (from the Bit of Whimsy Butterbean doll pattern)

Detail on back

Crayon Totes

2010-03-29T14:03:00.000-07:00

Month of bag making projects 13 & 14: two more Crayon totes

I know there are only a few days left in March, but there is one last project I would like to complete this month. It's a knitting bag set that I know I would use a lot! I have most of the fabric pieces cut and hope to begin sewing it this evening.

Crayon Totes

2010-03-27T14:27:00.000-07:00

Month of bag making projects 11 & 12: 2 crayon totes (my tutorial)

Tutorial: Crayon Tote

2010-03-27T08:01:00.000-07:00

Month of bag making project 10 & tutorial

Gather your materials:
* 12 1/2" x 29" piece of cotton fabric for the OUTSIDE of the bag
* 12 1/2" x 29" piece of matching canvas for the LINING of the bag (or you can use regular cotton & iron on some lightweight interfacing to give it a bit of structure)
* 6 1/2" x 12 1/2" piece of fabric (same as you used for the lining) for the crayon pocket
* 2 - 4" x 20" pieces of fabric (same as you used for the outside of the bag) for the STRAPS
* 3 1/2" x 12 1/2" piece of lightweight interfacing
Coordinating thread
Sewing machine
Scissors
Ruler
Fabric pencil/pen (chalk based or disappearing ink - whichever you prefer)
~Seam allowances are 1/4"unless otherwise noted~
NOTE: The width used for the crayon slots is 3/4" which is very tight. It may be difficult for younger children to insert the crayons. If designing for a younger child, make the slots 7/8" wide. You'll need to cut your outer and inner fabrics to 14.5" x 29", your crayon pocket to 6.5" x 14.5" and your interfacing to 3.5" x 14.5". Follow all steps as below. All other changes to make the crayon slots wider will be in parenthesis and bolded.

CRAYON POCKET
Take the 6 1/2" x 12 1/2" (14.5") piece of fabric and fold it in half lengthwise with RIGHT SIDES together and iron- folded piece will be 3 1/4" x 12 1/2" (14.5"). Pin along the long open end (side opposite the fold you made). Sew.

Turn this piece right side out but putting your hand into the opening. Grab the opposite end with your fingertips and pull through.

Once the piece is turned right side out, iron flat with the seam along the bottom.
Using a ruler & erasable/disappearing pencil/pen, make marks for where to sew the crayon dividers. To do this, start on either the right or left side making a line 1" (1 1/8") from the edge. Then continue to draw lines every 3/4" (7/8") until to you reach 1" (1 1/8") from the opposite end from which you started.

You should have 15 lines. This gives an inch (1 1/8") at each end and 3/4" (7/8") space for each crayon.

BAG OUTER
You will need to place the interfacing on the WRONG side of the fabric 5 1/4" down from the top of the bag. (The top is one of the 12 1/2" (14.5") edges of the fabric). To do this, make small marks 5 1/4" down from the top on the right and left edges of the fabric. Line up the top of the piece of interfacing with these marks. Iron on the interfacing.

On the RIGHT side of the outer fabric, you'll place the crayon pocket 5 1/2" down from the top. Pin in place. Sew along each drawn line - make sure to start with a few stitches at the top of the pocket, backstitch a few stitches to above the pocket, sew normally down to the bottom of the pocket, backstitch a few stitches, forward stitch a few stitches.

This is what the top of the pocket should look like:

The bottom of the pocket will look similar except that stitches do not need to extend past the bottom of the pocket.
Sew along the bottom edge of the pocket, 1/8" from the bottom.

With RIGHT SIDES together, fold the outer fabric in half widthwise (creating a piece 12 1/2" (14.5") x 14 1/2"). Pin along both sides (leaving the top open). Sew along both edges.
Now let's add the gussets to the bottom of the bag. You'll form a triangle at one bottom of the bag by putting your hand into one of the bottom corners and opening it. Move the fabric around until it creates a triangle (the seam line should line up with center line of the bottom of the bag).

Pin to keep fabric from shifting Using your ruler and a pencil, locate and mark the place on the triangle that is 1.5" wide. Sew along the line.

Cut off the top of the triangle above your sewing line. The bottom of the bag should look like this:

Turn bag right side out.

STRAPS
Take 1 piece of the strap fabric and fold it in half lengthwise with WRONG SIDES together and iron (making the piece 2" x 20").

Open it up and fold each edge into the fold along the center and iron:

Fold the piece in half again and iron:

You'll have a strap that is 1" x 20".

Pin along the strap (pins perpendicular to the length of the strap) and topstich around entire strap. (I find it best to sew along the long open edge of the strap first).

Repeat for the second strap.

Place the outer edge of one strap 3" from the top edge of the bag. (If you can tell which is the right/wrong side of the strap based on the stitching, you'll want to place the right side of the strap against the right side of the bag. When you are finished the straps will have the correct side facing out.) Pin in place.

Sew with an 1/8" seam allowance to bag.

Repeat until all ends of straps are in place.

LINING
Fold the fabric in half widthwise (making it 12 1/2" (14.5") x 14 1/2") with RIGHT SIDES together. Toward the center of one of the side edges, place two marks 4" apart. This will create an opening for the bag to turn it right side out when you're done sewing.

Follow all the same steps as for the outside of the bag, except do not sew between the marks you created and do not turn right side out.

FINISH
The outside of your bag should be right side out. The inside of your bag should be inside out. Place the outside of the bag into the inside of your bag. Make sure you get the straps in there, too!

Pin around the top of the bag, lining up the top edges of the inside and outside pieces as best you can. I find it helpful to line up the side seams of the outer & lining fabric and pin at each seam. Then I hold the bag at both side seams and pull it flat to get all the wrinkles out. Then I add a pin at the front and back center of the bag and then fill in with more pins. I find that I can get the entire bag to line up best this way.

Stitch around the top of the bag.

Remember that opening we left in the lining? Well, now's the time to use it to turn the whole thing right side out. Begin by pulling the outside of the bag through the opening in the lining.

Then you can pull the lining through, at which point you'll have something that looks like this:

Close the opening in the lining. Place pins where the opening in the lining starts and ends and atleast 1 pin in between. With an 1/8" seam allowance begin sewing just before the 1st pin (backstitching to secure) to just past the last pin (backstitching to secure). Of if you'd prefer you can hand stitch it by using a blind stitch.

(It would best to use a thread that matches your fabric, otherwise the stitching imperfections will show like in this example)

Push the lining of the bag into the outside of the bag. Smooth the inside/outsides out the best you can. Adjust the fabric at the top of the bag so that none of the lining shows to the outside (and if you're really good it'll be completely even so that the outside doesn't show on the inside of the bag, either). Iron flat.

Pin and then toptstich along the top of the bag.

You're done!

Children's Totes & Crayon Rolls

2010-03-24T16:30:00.000-07:00

Month of bag making projects 7,8,9: 3 children's tote bags & coordinating crayon rolls.

Owls

ABC

Circles

If you missed it, my last post included a tutorial on how to make the tote bags. The are really simple and quick to make!

Tutorial: Child's Tote

2010-03-22T12:02:00.000-07:00

Lately, I have been making several child sized tote bags & matching crayon rolls. Here is how I made the totes. Enjoy!

Gather your materials:
* 13" x 29" piece of cotton fabric for the OUTSIDE of the bag
* 13" x 29" piece of matching canvas for the INSIDE of the bag (or you can use regular cotton & iron on some lightweight interfacing to give it a bit of structure)
* 2 - 4" x 20" pieces of fabric (same as you used for the outside of the bag) for the STRAPS
Coordinating thread
Sewing machine
Scissors
Ruler
Pencil
~Seam allowances are 1/4" (for my machine that's the width of the presser foot) unless otherwise noted~

Throughout the tutorial and at the end I will have some helpful hints enclosed in *. If you're a beginner sewer, it may be helpful to read through all of them before beginning this project. I hope they help!

Let's start with making the STRAPS. Take 1 piece of the strap fabric and fold it in half lengthwise and iron (making the piece 2" x 20").

Open it up and fold each edge into the fold along the center and iron:

Fold the piece in half again and iron:

You'll have a strap that is 1" x 20".

Pin along the strap (pins perpendicular to the length of the strap) and topstich around entire strap:

*To topstich, adjust to a longer stitch length. Each machine is different, but on mine I can choose a length between 0 and 5. For topstiching, I typically use between 4 and 4.5. Test the stitch length on a scrap of fabric before you get started!*

Repeat for the second strap. Here is what you should have:

Now let's work on the BODY of the bag. Take your outer piece of fabric and fold in half widthwise (making it 13" x 14.5") with RIGHT sides of fabric together. Pin the open edge on the right side, starting at the fold and working toward what will be the top (open end) of the bag:

*As a general rule in sewing, using more pins= less shifting of fabric. I prefer to pin from what will be the bottom of the bag (folded edge) to what will be the top. I do this for both sides. In case of a little shifting, I would rather it shift to the open end of the bag which I can trim later if need be.*

Sew along edge.
*Remember to adjust to a shorter stitch length than you used with topstitching.*
Repeat for other side of the bag.

Now let's add the GUSSETS to the bottom of the bag. You'll form a triangle at one bottom of the bag, by opening up the bottom and lining up the sewn side edge with the center line of the bottom of the purse. It will look like this (the part sticking up is the side seam):

Using your ruler and a pencil, locate and mark the place on the triangle that is 1.5" wide:

Pin the fabric in a few spots to keep it from shifting when you sew.

Sew along the line you drew:

Trim the top of the triangle above the sewing line:

Repeat for the other side of the bag. The bottom edges of the bag should look like this:

Turn the bag right side out.

Now let's ATTACH the straps. Place the outer edge of 1 strap 3" from the top edge of the bag. Pin in place:

* You can leave the straps like this, but I prefer to go ahead and sew them on with an 1/8" seam allowance now and remove the pins.*
*There is technically a right side to the straps - whatever side was up when you were sewing. It may or may not be noticeable. If you can tell which is the right/wrong side based on the stitching - when attaching the straps place the right side down (facing the right side of the bag). When you are finished the straps will have the correct side facing out.*

Repeat until all ends of straps are in place.

Now for the LINING. Fold the fabric in half widthwise (making it 13" x 14.5") with RIGHT sides together. Toward the center of one of the side edges, place 2 marks 4" apart:

This will create an opening for the bag to turn it right side out when you're done sewing.

Follow all the same steps as for the outside of the bag, except do not sew between the marks you created. Sew up to the first mark and backstitch to secure the stitching Then begin sewing at the second mark, backstitching to secure, then to the open (what will be the top) end of the bag. When finished with all steps, leave this piece inside out (do not turn right side out like you did with the outside piece of the bag).

Now to FINISH up the bag! The outside of your bag should be right side out. The inside of your bag should be inside out. Place the outside of the bag into the inside of your bag. Make sure you get the straps in there, too!

Pin around the top of the bag, lining up the top edges of the inside and outside pieces as best you can:

Make sure you don't pin all 4 pieces of fabric together. This is the top of the tote and will be the opening for the bag.
* I find it helpful to line up the side seams of both bags and pin at each seam. Then I hold the bag at both side seams and pull it flat to get all the wrinkles out. Then I add a pin at the front and back center of the bag and then fill in with more pins. I find that I can get the entire bag to line up best this way. *

Stitch around the top of the bag. Remember that opening we left in the lining? Well, now's the time to use it to turn the whole thing right side out. Begin by pulling the outside of the bag through the opening:

Then you can pull the lining through, at which point you'll have something that looks like this:

Let's go ahead an close up the opening in the lining. You can either hand stitch it by using a blind stitch or you can just sew it closed with your machine using an 1/8" seam allowance.. I usually hand stitch, but here is what it'll look like with machine stitching:

Push the lining of the bag into the outside of the bag:

Smooth the inside/outsides out the best you can. Adjust the fabric at the top of the bag so that none of the lining shows to the outside (and if you're really good it'll be completely even so that the outside doesn't show on the inside of the bag, either). Iron and then pin along the top:

Toptstich along the top of the bag.
*Remember to change to a longer stitch length.*

You're done!

*It's a good idea to change out your sewing needles frequently. I've heard as often as every project is advised. I don't change mine that often, but probably every 4 or 5 projects if they are small (like these bags).*
*Also, it's a good idea to open up your sewing machine and clean out any lint and dust that is in there. If you are sewing especially linty fabrics (terry cloth for example) it's a good idea to clean it after each project. I try to remember to atleast peek in there every few projects or so and see if it needs some TLC. Here's what I found in my machine before starting this bag:

Yes, those are two HUGE balls of lint! I know that some people use canned air, but that doesn't really get the lint out. Instead use a little brush to pull the lint out of the machine.*
*I know that many people don't remove pins when sewing. I have hit way too many pins and broken my sewing needle. I prefer to pull the pins out right before I sew over them.*

* Backstitching is used to secure the beginning and end of your stitching. When beginning to sew, sew forward as normal then reverse for a few stitches then continue forward. At the end of your sewing, reverse stitch for a few stitches then sew forward to the stopping point. Stitching back and forth a few times will keep the stitches secure.*

Child's Tote & Crayon Roll

2010-03-20T09:01:00.000-07:00

Month of bag making project 6:
I am currently working on several Children's Totes & Crayon Rolls (tutorial) for my step-mom to give as birthday gifts. Here is the first one I've completed:

The tote bag is from my own pattern. I plan on making a tutorial for it and posting it here on my blog.

Spiral Rib Knit Hat

2010-03-17T22:05:00.000-07:00

Another spiral rib knit hat for my mom...

The photos really don't do justice to the colors. The yarn is really soft and perfect for the chilly days and nights we're sure to have more of around here.

Winter Solstice Sky Shorties

2010-03-16T11:54:00.000-07:00

I finished knitting these shorties (shorts knit out of wool yarn - great cloth diaper cover!) a few days ago:

with a cargo pocket!

Knit with Montana Targhee wool dyed in the Winter Solsitce Sky colorway by Mosaic Moon. I used elastic in the waistband instead of a drawstring. I really like how these turned out and think they'll get lots of use this summer!

Spiral rib knit hat

2010-03-13T13:50:00.000-08:00

I recently knit this hat for my mom.

I love the way the knit spirals up to the top!

Birthday crown

2010-03-11T12:13:00.000-08:00

Birthday crown for a soon-to-be 2 year old little boy.

The crown will be kept on the head with an elastic band that goes around the back. (It's covered in the monkey fabric shown in the photo.) I really like how it turned out and it should coordinate nicely with the birthday boy's monkey t-shirt and wool knit pants.

Birthday crown & onesie applique

2010-03-10T15:51:00.000-08:00

Sweet little Sadie girl will be a year old in 2 months. Where has the time gone?

To help her celebrate her birthday in style, I made her a birthday crown and added an applique to a onesie.

Want to try your hand at applique? Here's my tutorial for creating a monkey applique
Want to make a birthday crown? Check out the tutorials from Sew She Sews and Skip To My Lou.
Really want to try one of these projects but don't have a sewing machine? No problem. You could actually make both projects without one! For the applique, you can do all the steps except for machine sewing. You could even hand stitch around the applique if you're feeling ambitious. And for the crown, you could make the felt wrap around the whole head and use sticky backed velcro for the attachment (instead of using elastic). To keep the layers of felt together, you could use craft glue instead of sewing them.

Phoebe Bag

2010-03-08T20:04:00.000-08:00

Month of bag making project 5: Phoebe bag (pattern & instructions here)

Inside of bag (a nice cheery yellow with a long pocket)

I LOVE this fabric from Amy Butler. I've had it for awhile and was waiting for just the right fabric to use it. I think it's great for this purse!

Reusable shopping bag

2010-03-08T08:13:00.001-08:00

Month of ~~repurposing~~ bag making project 4: another reusable shopping bag

I like the size and shape of this one a lot better than the first one I made.

Humbug Pullover Hoodie

2010-03-08T08:13:00.000-08:00

I started this Humbug Pullover Hoodie back in January during my month of knitting. I finally finished it yesterday!

He LOVES pockets!

I love how it turned out!

Reversible purse

2010-03-08T08:12:00.000-08:00

On my birthday, I bought a book called Sew Simple: A Collection of Quick Projects. I made the reversible purse shown in the book. I like the idea of this purse, but think the pattern needs to be tweaked a little bit (longer and narrower handles for starters).

Month of bag making project #3: Reversible Purse

Side 1:

Side 2:

It will be a birthday gift for one of my sisters. I hope to make a matching journal cover to go with it.