So Simply Stephanie

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

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?

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.

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).

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...

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

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!!!

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 ...

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!

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).

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 )!

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 gi...