So Simply Stephanie

In the last 5 years, I had done very little sewing and even less purchasing of fabric/patterns/supplies. Since our move back to Colorado earlier this year, I've been sewing again. There are two things I've noticed... Cotton prices have gone up (and it's harder to find great bargains on fabric). The number of pattern makers has increased quite a bit. When we made our move here, we had a huge sale and I sold all but 2 pieces of fabric and most of my sewing supplies. Since I hadn't been sewing much and we had to downsize to fit in our new space, so it seemed like a good idea. Now I'm trying to build a small fabric stash. I'm fortunate to live near a few local quilting and fabrics stores. It is so much fun to see all of the new designs available! And who doesn't want a reason to shop for fabric? I'm also now using a 1970's sewing maching that belonged to my grandma and mom. It's a Singer 258. This machine is simple, heavy, durable, and cou...

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 abo...

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...

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

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 !

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!

Month of gift making project 10: Cross stitch design for my mom I rarely cross stitch.  I actually started this project a few years ago.  With a new baby and moving it got tucked away in my crafts bin.  I'm glad to finally finish it up and give it to her for her birthday in July. Sneak peek:

This evening, I tried making one of my new favorite meals... French Onion Soup. I did a quick online search and found an easy to follow French Onion Soup recipe from Tyler Florence . Both my husband and I thought it turned out great... and almost as good as the one at our local French restaurant! ... and it is perfect for these cold winter days/nights.

I have been working on Christmas gifts... a lot of Christmas gifts. Here is a sneak peak of a few completed items (don't want to give away too much in case the recipients check this site)...

Several of my dolls, crayon rolls and toddler bibs... ...are now on consignment at Baby Cotton Bottoms a cloth diaper (AND MUCH MORE) store here in Colorado Springs and on the web (graphic links to their site)! They have LOTS of neat stuff in the store that isn't even on the website yet. In addition to a wide variety of cloth diapers, they carry many beautiful baby carriers, toys, some mama supplies (nursing pads, etc), wetbags, super stylish bags, and the list goes on. During my last visit there I snagged some diapers and... *an AWESOME PlanetWise wetbag . They are COMPLETELY waterproof so they are great for use with wet swimsuits, leaky sippy cups, cloth diapers and so much more! * some wonderful diaper rash cream called Rash Magic Not only are the products found at Baby Cotton Bottoms great, but so is the customer service. Go check it out!!! 1626 West Platte Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80904 Store Hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9am - 3pm or By Appointme...

Nothing new, so I thought I'd share something I made in 2007 before I was pregnant with my son. It's a little scrapbook about my favorite things. Maybe it'll provide a little inspiration for those of you out there who would like to make a small, quick and easy keepsake book for yourself (or your children). Here are the supplies I used: Small tag shaped album (can be any shape/size) Random scraps of scrapbook paper Random yarn/fibers Random rub-ons, stickers and other embellishments Double sided tape or other adhesive (acid free/archive quality would be best) Pen (acid free/archive quality would be best) All of these items can be purchased pretty cheaply at Hobby Lobby, Walmart, JoAnns, etc). If anyone is interested I have LOTS of scrap paper and embellishments that I would LOVE to share with anyone wanting to make one of these books. Just leave a comment saying you'd like some goodies to make one of these books! Get creative! Make it as classy or as fun...